Table of Contents

Introduction

Section 1 –SAR Statistics

Section 2 –National Trends and Analyses

1. Highlighted Trend 
2. Other Notable Trends
3. Other SAR Analysis Issues

Section 3 –Law Enforcement Cases

Section 4 –Tips on SAR Form Preparation and Filing

Section 5 –Issues and Guidance

Section 6 –Industry Forum

Feedback Form

Introduction

The SAR Activity Review—Trends, Tips and Issues is the product of a continuing collaboration among the nation’s financial institutions, federal law enforcement, and regulatory agencies to provide meaningful information about the preparation, use, and utility of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) filed by financial institutions.

This publication reflects the recognition of both the relevant government agencies and the nation’s financial institutions of the desirability of a continuing public exchange of information about the SAR System and its results. These include, among others, the American Bankers Association; Independent Bankers Association; Independent Community Bankers of America; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Securities Industry Association; Non-Bank Funds Transmitters Group; Federal Reserve Board; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Office of Thrift Supervision; National Credit Union Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section; U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Enforcement; U.S. Customs Service; U.S. Secret Service; Internal Revenue Service; and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

The SAR Activity Review will be published semiannually in October and April, beginning in October 2000. Analytic reports, issue papers, and other public actions related to or resulting from information contained in the Review may be published separately.

Questions, comments or other feedback concerning the SAR Activity Review will be most welcome. Where possible, Email contact points are provided for each section of the Review. A feedback sheet is included as the last page. Comments may also be addressed to either or both of the SAR Activity Review project co-chairpersons:

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