By: Alimatu Kargbo
During a press briefing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Ministry of Energy in Freetown, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civil Aviation, ACP Joan Bull Kamara, Head of the Legal and Justice Support Department, outlined the steps being taken to address money laundering in Sierra Leone. The event, titled “Fighting Money Laundering: Where Are We and What Is Being Done?” focused on measures to combat financial crime and strengthen the justice system.
Madam Bull Kamara highlighted that money laundering, often linked to other criminal activities, poses a significant threat to national institutions and the economy. She noted that the police and the Ministry of Justice are working closely to combat this issue through comprehensive investigations and agency collaboration.
She explained that the Sierra Leone Police are actively working to raise standards for investigating financial activities in the country. Recently, the Inspector General of Police announced a new training program for criminal investigators, focusing on enhancing skills to detect and handle money laundering cases. This training, scheduled to begin in the next two weeks, will target all crimes officers, especially senior criminal investigators.
Madam Bull Kamara emphasized that the training aims not only to improve investigative skills but also to empower officers to conduct investigations independently, reducing reliance on State Counsels, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers, and preventing the influence of criminal activities on public officials.
Currently, over fifteen cases related to money laundering are being prosecuted in court. However, she acknowledged that some individuals attempt to influence these cases, which can compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
In conclusion, ACP Joan Bull Kamara underscored the seriousness of money laundering, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of anti-money laundering laws to achieve justice. She confirmed that several individuals involved in these crimes have already faced convictions, with some sentenced to prison while others continue to undergo trial.
