The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Monday October 19, 2020, informed the public that its Elite Scorpion Squad has arrested three staff of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), whom are believed to have allegedly facilitated the embezzlement of over one billion Leones of public fund in a period of six months.
The ACC Scorpion Squad struck EDSA billing section on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, in order to make the arrest. According to ACC, these are monies believed to have been paid by large companies and enterprises for electricity distributions.
According to ACC, “This corrupt scheme is carried out by these staff who, having sent bills to various Companies and Enterprises, would then collect the cheques themselves from these taxpayers and work with bank staff to facilitate the diversion and deposit of these cheques into personal accounts from where the money can be recessed and shared.”
ACC said that, It is yet unclear how the EDSA financial accounting structures failed to detect this existing loophole considering the volume of money involved, but assures the public that this also will be further investigated.
The Elite Scorpion squad of the ACC has brought three arrested staff to the ACC head office who are currently assisting with investigations in what is believed to be a racket that has enriched lower and top management staff of the EDSA at the expense of the Institution.
The ACC said more arrests will be made in the coming days.
The ACC also assures the public of its commitment to further combat corruption issues throughout the country.
By Hasbin Shaw
20/10/2020. ISSUE NO: 7934