1. The Chief of the Unit may order the suspension or cessation of a Transaction suspected of being related to the Crime, immediately and without prior notice, for a period not exceeding ten (10) working days, based on the Unit’s analysis of Suspicious Transaction reports, information, or requests received from domestic or international sources, including counterpart Units regardless of their nature, or any authorities competent to take such measures. 2. The Unit shall establish a system governing the controls and procedures for the suspension or cessation of suspicious Transactions related to the Crime and the circumstances under which such suspension or cessation is lifted upon revocation of the order or expiry of the prescribed period. 3. The Chief of the Unit may order the freezing of funds suspected of being linked to a Crime held by Financial Institutions, DNFBPs, or Virtual Asset Service Providers, without prior notice, for a period of thirty (30) days, based on the Unit’s analysis of Suspicious Transaction reports and other information received thereby. 4. Where the decision referred to in Clause (3) of this Article is taken, the Unit shall: a. Notify the relevant Financial Institutions, DNFBPs, or Virtual Asset Service Providers to implement the freezing order, without prior notice; b. Notify the Attorney General or their delegate of the freezing decision and the grounds for suspicion, who may amend or revoke the decision or issue any directions deemed appropriate. 5. A freezing order may be extended by the Attorney General or their delegate for such period they determine upon the Unit’s request, stating the justifications therefor. 6. The Chief of the Unit shall submit a proposal to the Attorney General to cancel the extension of the freezing order where the grounds therefore cease to exist, for such action as they deem appropriate. 7. Financial Institutions, DNFBPs, and Virtual Asset Service Providers holding frozen funds shall notify the owner of the frozen funds of the freezing order and its issuing authority, request them to provide the documents necessary to prove the integrity of the Transaction and the legitimacy of the source of funds, and refer the same to the Unit to take the appropriate actions. 8. Financial Institutions, DNFBPs, and Virtual Asset Service Providers shall lift the freezing order where it is revoked by the Chief of the Unit, or where the period specified in Clause (3) of this Article expires without extension.
Interpretation and application must be checked against the official text and current version.