SLP Pledges to Intensify Fight Against Money Laundering
By Benjamin S Conteh
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Juan Bull Kamara, representing the Justice Legal Department of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), has affirmed the SLP’s commitment to not only investigate but also prevent money laundering and related criminal activities in Sierra Leone. ACP Kamara made these remarks on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, during a government press briefing held at the EDSA Conference Room on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown.
“We are not just investigating money laundering but actively working to identify and prevent this crime in all its forms, striving to meet international standards,” ACP Kamara assured the public.
ACP Kamara explained that money laundering often occurs alongside other criminal activities, and as a result, the SLP is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to enhance its capabilities and meet the rigorous standards required to combat such crimes effectively. “Money laundering is a crime that is typically linked with other offenses, such as obtaining money through false pretenses,” she stated, highlighting the complexities involved in combating financial crimes.
According to ACP Kamara, money laundering involves the illegal acquisition of money through fraudulent means. To address these sophisticated crimes, the SLP has been providing extensive training to its personnel, particularly those in the Criminal Wing, to equip them with the expertise needed to handle complex cases. She announced that within the next two weeks, senior crime officers will participate in specialized training to improve their investigative skills and help them identify and manage cases of financial crime more effectively.
“Without proper expertise, it’s challenging for the SLP to manage cases involving money laundering and related criminal activities, as these require thorough investigation and specialized knowledge,” ACP Kamara noted. She emphasized that the SLP is not only focused on investigating crimes but is also working diligently to prevent criminal activities across the country.
She also pointed to challenges faced by the SLP at border crossing points, where numerous cases involving illegal financial activity have been reported. Nevertheless, she reassured the public that the SLP is actively working to counter these activities and is making efforts to raise public awareness about money-laundering schemes, including those promoted by organizations like QNet, Super Advertise, and My Coin. Currently, ACP Kamara is prosecuting approximately 15 cases linked to such schemes, underscoring the SLP’s commitment to tackling these issues.
However, she noted that the police face challenges with public cooperation, particularly in cases where witnesses are reluctant to testify in court. “Sometimes, we have to work hard to encourage people to testify in these matters,” she explained, calling on the public to support the SLP’s investigations by fully cooperating with the police.
Director General of Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), David Borbor, provided additional context, explaining that the FIA was established to coordinate efforts against money laundering. Over time, its mandate has expanded to address the financing of weapons of mass destruction and other complex financial crimes.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay also addressed the briefing, expressing that his office is committed to developing policies to curtail money laundering and provide legal support for SLP investigations. He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice is actively collaborating with the FIA and the SLP to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to financial crimes.
The SLP, FIA, and Ministry of Justice jointly pledged to bolster Sierra Leone’s defenses against money laundering, safeguard national interests, and promote public awareness, urging citizens to join the fight against these threats.
