Caribbean tax haven resists UK pressure for company register

LONDON, (Reuters) – The government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) said it has no plans to establish a central register of true company owners, despite pressure from Britain to adopt the anti-money laundering and tax evasion measure.

The BVI said in a statement yesterday it was backing other measures it said would be at least as effective in ensuring law enforcement agencies can find out who is behind shell companies involved in financial crime.

British Prime Minister David Cameron proposed plans for a public register of the beneficial owners of all companies in 2013, during a G8 summit in Northern Ireland.

Some of the UK’s overseas territories, including the BVI, have opposed the move.