The Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS) was established according to section 54 of the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities Law 2007 (former Law No.61(I)/96), in December 1996 and became operational in January 1997. It functions under the Attorney General of the Republic and it is composed of representatives of the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, and the Director of the Department of Customs and Excise. The members of the Unit are appointed by detachment and the Unit is headed by a representative of the Attorney General. In relation to the composition of the Unit, the Law was amended in 2003 in order to include other professionals. As a result, the Unit recruited accountants and financial analysts.