BY Sallieu S. Kanu
The Deputy Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has affirmed the government’s resolute commitment to tackling money laundering and other financial crimes. Speaking at the weekly government press briefing held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Ministry of Energy conference room on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, Deputy Minister Sesay emphasized the collaborative efforts underway to enhance financial crime investigation and enforcement in Sierra Leone.
Sesay highlighted that the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice is working closely with the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) to develop and implement policies that strengthen the regulatory framework governing financial crime investigations. He also noted the Ministry’s partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to support investigations and uphold the enforcement of these laws.
“Money laundering is a complex and technical offense, distinct from other crimes and requiring a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach for effective investigation,” said Sesay. He further explained that the Ministry provides critical legal advice and decides whether cases should proceed to court. Additionally, ongoing reforms within the SLP are aimed at enhancing the force’s response capabilities to emerging and transnational crimes.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull Kamara, who leads the Legal and Justice Support Department within the SLP, reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to bolstering their capacity to investigate financial crimes, human trafficking, and terrorism financing. ACP Kamara disclosed that recent training sessions have been conducted for senior police personnel to sharpen their investigative skills in handling these complex cases.
“Within the next two weeks, all senior crime officers will undergo further training to improve and strengthen their investigative practices,” she said. ACP Kamara also outlined proactive measures being implemented by the SLP, including public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing such crimes.
These combined efforts underscore the government’s dedication to enhancing the accountability regime for financial crime investigations and ensuring that Sierra Leone is better equipped to combat financial malfeasance and safeguard its economic stability.