By: Sajor Jalloh
At the Government Weekly Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Energy Conference Room, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull Kamara, Head of the Legal and Justice Support Department and Financial Crimes Investigation of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), highlighted the ongoing efforts of the SLP to combat financial crimes, including money laundering.
ACP Kamara emphasized that one of the key mandates of the SLP is to investigate all alleged criminal activities, particularly financial crimes that have been increasingly undermining the country’s economic stability. She stated that illicit financial flows are putting a strain on Sierra Leone’s institutions, and the SLP is committed to thoroughly investigating these offenses.
She further explained that money laundering, which often accompanies other criminal activities, is a major focus of the SLP. “Money laundering involves taking proceeds from illegal activities and disguising them to appear legitimate,” ACP Kamara said, citing examples such as human trafficking and fraud. She stressed that these criminal activities are harmful not only to the victims but to the broader economy and public trust.
The ACP revealed that the SLP is working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure investigators are equipped with the necessary expertise to meet international standards in handling financial crimes. She also noted that training sessions are being planned for senior officers to ensure that investigations into such complex crimes are conducted to the highest standards, minimizing the risk of errors in court proceedings.
Currently, ACP Kamara is overseeing investigations into over 15 cases involving companies such as Qnet, My Coin, and Super Advertise. These companies are accused of defrauding citizens by presenting fraudulent business schemes. However, she acknowledged the challenges in prosecuting these cases and urged the public to cooperate with the police in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The SLP will not compromise when it comes to criminal matters,” ACP Kamara asserted. “We need the public’s cooperation to ensure that victims come forward and support investigations. Only then can we ensure accountability and curb financial crimes.”
Kamara also discussed the importance of vigilance and public awareness, urging citizens to report illegal activities and help prevent crimes like human trafficking. She commended the public’s cooperation, which has already led to successful convictions in human trafficking cases.
The SLP’s ongoing efforts to tackle financial crimes and strengthen investigative capacity reflect the government’s broader commitment to addressing corruption and improving the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
