1. Policy Statement detailing anti- money laundering and whistleblowing
1.1 It is the policy of AltynGold plc (which includes all ALTYNGOLD PLC subsidiaries in any jurisdiction) ("
ALTYNGOLD PLC") to conduct all of its business in an honest and ethical manner. ALTYNGOLD PLC is committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all its operations, business dealings and relationships worldwide and in implementing and enforcing effective systems to acknowledge its zero-tolerance and the importance of preventing money laundering.
1.2 ALTYNGOLD PLC strongly upholds all laws relevant to preventing money laundering in all of the jurisdictions in which ALTYNGOLD PLC operates. ALTYNGOLD PLC intends to comply with any laws and regulations related to preventing money laundering and all relevant local anti-money laundering regulations.
1.3 This Policy provides information and guidance on how to recognize and deal with money laundering issues.
1.4 Money laundering is generally used to describe the activities of organized criminals converting the proceeds of crime into legitimate activities, thus hiding their true sources. ALTYNGOLD PLC is unlikely to be a prime target for money laundering, however, the size and scope of services provided is such that it is not possible to be wholly immune from the risks surrounding money laundering.
2. To whom is this Policy addressed?
2.1 This Policy applies to all individuals working at all levels and grades within ALTYNGOLD PLC, including senior managers, officers, directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, home workers, casual workers and agency staff, volunteers, interns, agents and sponsors (the "
Workers").
2.2 All business partners of ALTYNGOLD PLC are requested to follow the same principles and commitments regarding anti-money laundering and to adhere to the provisions of this Policy at all times while conducting business with ALTYNGOLD PLC.
3. Who is responsible for this Policy at ALTYNGOLD PLC?
3.1 The Management Team has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Policy complies with ALTYNGOLD PLC legal and ethical obligations, and that everyone under control of ALTYNGOLD PLC complies with it.
3.2 The Management team has been given responsibility for advising employees on anti-money laundering issues. The Management team is responsible for carrying out risk assessments, including the assessment of agents, consultants and other business partners.
3.3 The Compliance Officer has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this Policy and for monitoring its use and effectiveness and dealing with any queries regarding its interpretation. Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring that the individuals
reporting to them are made aware of and understand this Policy and are given adequate and regular training.
4. Responsibilities and Protection
4.1 You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this Policy.
4.2 The prevention, detection and reporting of money laundering and its other forms are the responsibility of all those working with ALTYNGOLD PLC, for ALTYNGOLD PLC or under the control of ALTYNGOLD PLC. All Workers and business partners are required to avoid any activity that might lead to or suggest a breach of this Policy.
4.3 Any transaction, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that might give rise to a violation of this Policy and/or any applicable Anti-Money Laundering Laws must be reported immediately to the Compliance Officer and/or General Counsel.
4.4 Any Worker who breaches this Policy will face disciplinary action which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. We reserve the right to terminate the contractual relationship with Workers or business partners if they breach this Policy.
4.5 ALTYNGOLD PLC strives to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this Policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
4.6 ALTYNGOLD PLC is committed to ensuring that no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of their good faith reporting of their suspicion under this Policy. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, inform the Compliance Officer and/or Management team immediately.
5. Indicators for suspicion of money laundering activities
5.1 It is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of the ways to spot money laundering or state every scenario in which you should be suspicious. However, the following are examples of possible „indicators of suspicion‟ for money laundering activity:
(a) transactions which have no apparent purpose, and which make no obvious economic sense;
(b) where the transaction being requested by the client/business partner, without reasonable explanation, is out of the ordinary range of services normally requested or is outside the experience of ALTYNGOLD PLC in relation to the particular client/business partner;
(c) where the client/business partner refuses to provide the information requested without reasonable explanation;
(d) unusual investment transactions without an apparently discernible profitable motive;
(e) A client/business partner refuses to proceed with a transaction when asked for identification;
(f) the extensive use of offshore accounts, companies or structures in circumstances where the client's/business partner's needs do not support such economic requirements;
(g) where, without reasonable explanation, the size or pattern of transactions is out of line with any pattern that has previously emerged;
(h) where cash payment been offered by the business partners/clients;
(i) where the client/business partner has no physical presence in the relevant country or where business is to be transacted in a country with a poor reputation record;
(j) business activities that contradict core brand values;
(k) suspiciously close ties to government officials, previous allegations of corruption or unethical behaviour or a lack of proportionality between the proposed work and fees;
(l) engage in any activity that might lead to a breach of this Policy.
Workers and business partners should be aware of the red flags listed above to this Policy (
Red Flags) which may indicate that money laundering is taking place or providing grounds to raise suspicion.
However, this list is not exhaustive, and Workers and business partners should apply common sense in determining whether there may be other reasons for ALTYNGOLD PLC not to use a potential partner to provide the relevant services or enter into any contract with such a potential partner.
6. Identification Procedures
6.1 ALTYNGOLD PLC aims to implement, as far as practicable, procedures to prevent money laundering. The framework for doing so is set out below.
(a) ALTYNGOLD PLC will only appoint intermediaries (including sales agents, introducers and other consultants) and engage with business partners who demonstrate business integrity at all times and who practice ethical conduct which meets the standards expected by ALTYNGOLD PLC and all applicable laws and regulations.
(b) The appointment of intermediaries and engagement of business partners is subject to the approval of the Management team.
(c) Prior to entering into any contract or business relationship with any intermediary or business partners, the officer or employee responsible for the appointment must first notify Management team (including any suspicion under this Policy) in writing (email is sufficient). If Management team deems it necessary, the appointing officer or employee may be requested to complete and submit a due diligence checklist.
6.2 The Management team will then consider the proposal and carry out further due diligence as they consider necessary before confirming their approval of the appointment. Due diligence will be carried out by or at the request of the Management team who may retain third party investigators or otherwise use intelligence services available to ALTYNGOLD PLC to assist with the due diligence.
6.3 Decisions not to engage in a business or to cease to do business will be taken by the Management Team.
7. How to Raise a Concern
You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion at the earliest possible stage. Any uncertainties as to whether a particular act constitutes money laundering, or any other queries, should be raised with the Compliance Officer. Concerns should be reported as follows:
1. Directly to the Compliance Officer and/or to the management team/Board, at your choice.
2.
If you wish to remain anonymous, by creating a temporary GMAIL address (an email service that is non-jurisdiction specific) and sending an email from the temporary GMAIL address to
ALTYN.uk The email will be received ONLY by the Compliance Officer and management team, who will take immediate steps to investigate the report independently and confidentially, without recourse to the sender. If the matter is considered of sufficient seriousness, the Compliance Officer and Management team will consider together appropriate further action, including informing the CEO and CFO, external legal counsel and/or relevant third party authorities.
ALL APPROPRIATE STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO RESPECT AND PROTECT THE ANONIMITY OF AND IDENTITY OF ANY PERSON MAKING SUCH A REPORT. 8. Monitoring and Review
8.1 ALTYNGOLD PLC's Management team is directly accountable for the oversight of the anti-money laundering program and will be the person to whom the Compliance Officer reports. The Management team should have the proper authority and sufficient resources to implement and monitor all program activities; he/she will be responsible for ensuring that employees are provided with regular briefings on developments in anti-money laundering law and practice, as deemed appropriate.
8.2 The Management team is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and controls are put in place locally and that this Policy is effectively implemented.
8.3 It is the responsibility of the Management team to respond swiftly and effectively to any breach of this Policy that is brought to his/her attention, as well as shortcomings in this Policy identified by the Compliance Officer in the management information provided to the General Counsel. If any aspect of this global Policy appears to be inadequate to ensure local compliance with relevant anti-money laundering law, it will be escalated immediately to the Management Team with a view to highlighting the need for changes to or enhancement of this Policy.
8.4 The Management team is responsible for ensuring that the assessment of local compliance with this Policy is included in internal and external audit terms of reference, as appropriate. In addition the Management team will be responsible for agreeing with the Compliance Officer on the compliance monitoring program and training and reporting requirements which should be implemented locally (subject to the minimum standards set by this Policy on a global basis).
8.5 All Workers and business partners are responsible for the success of this Policy and should ensure they use it to disclose any suspected danger or wrongdoing.
8.6 Workers are invited to comment on this Policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions and queries should be addressed to the Compliance Officer.
8.7 This Policy does not form part of any Worker's contract of employment and it may be amended at any time.
8.8 The Management team and the Compliance Officer will report to the Board on an annual basis.
8.9 Internal reporting and management information will enable ALTYNGOLD PLC to gather feedback on the effectiveness of this Policy and its implementation and to ensure that its adequacy and effectiveness remain optimal. Internal auditors will also review the effectiveness of this Policy and report to the General Counsel.
8.10 Reporting
Reports made under this procedure will be investigated by the Compliance Officer together with the Management team in the first instance, and later involving appropriate persons in any other relevant entity.
The persons receiving reports submitted under this part of this Policy will consider whether external reporting is required in the relevant jurisdiction and, where necessary, report to the local money laundering reporting officer who will consider compiling a report under local anti-money laundering legislation if it appears there is criminal conduct which would require such a report.
Required reporting or voluntary self-reporting to the relevant prosecuting and other bodies will take place in accordance with local requirements applicable to each company or organisation covered by this Policy.