Abstract

This research examines confiscation and precautionary measures in combating money laundering under Qatari legislation, considering that money laundering is among the most serious transnational economic crimes due to its threat to financial and economic stability and its undermining of public confidence in financial institutions. The importance of this study arises from the legislative developments witnessed in the State of Qatar, particularly following the issuance of Law No. (18) of 2025 amending the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Law No. (20) of 2019. The amendment strengthened the institutional and regulatory framework for combating such crimes by expanding the powers of the National Committee and granting the Financial Information Unit greater legal and financial independence. The research problem lies in assessing the extent to which the Qatari legal framework is capable of achieving a balance between the effectiveness of precautionary measures and confiscation procedures on the one hand, and the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms on the other hand, especially in light of the expanded powers granted to competent authorities regarding freezing, seizure, and confiscation. Accordingly, the study raises the main question of whether the Qatari legislation, following the 2025 amendments, has succeeded in balancing the speed and effectiveness of precautionary and confiscation measures with legal guarantees and the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The study adopts a descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodology through examining and analyzing Qatari legal provisions related to confiscation and precautionary measures, while comparing them with selected Arab legislations, particularly those of the United Arab Emirates and Algeria, in addition to comparing them with international standards issued by the FATF. The significance of this research lies in clarifying the distinctions between the concepts of freezing, precautionary seizure, and confiscation, as well as explaining the legal nature of each measure. Furthermore, the study aims to support legal practitioners and competent authorities in understanding the mechanisms for implementing such measures. It also seeks to analyze the Qatari legislative framework, evaluate its compatibility with international standards, highlight the strengths of the Qatari experience, and provide recommendations that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of confiscation and precautionary measures in combating money laundering. This research aims to study the legal framework governing confiscation and precautionary measures under Qatari legislation and to assess their effectiveness in combating money laundering crimes through achieving the following objectives: analyzing the legal regulation of confiscation and precautionary measures under Qatari legislation and clarifying their scope of application; identifying points of convergence and divergence between Qatari legislation and international standards and conventions related to combating money laundering; highlighting the positive and practical aspects that distinguish the Qatari experience in the field of confiscation and precautionary measures; evaluating the effectiveness of confiscation and precautionary measures in reducing money laundering crimes and drying up their financial sources.

Keywords

Money Laundering; Confiscation; Precautionary Measures; Financial Information Unit; National Committee for Combating Money Laundering.