By: Saidu Jalloh
On the 12th day of November 2024, at the Government Weekly Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Energy Conference Room, the Head of Legal and Justice Support Department and Financial Crimes Investigation of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan Bull Kamara, asserted that one of the key mandates of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is to conduct investigations for every alleged criminal activity in the country.
She mentioned that financial crimes are one of the ongoing criminal activities, emphasizing that the flow of illicit money is disadvantaging the country and its institutions. ACP Joan Bull added that they have various ways of handling financial crimes and will conduct a proper investigation into them. She also pointed out that they are collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to meet standards and equip their investigators to be able to investigate every criminal financial activity that is occurring.
ACP Joan Bull mentioned that money laundering is a criminal activity that often accompanies another crime. For instance, if you obtain money through pretense and then try to use it to clean illegal gains and present them as legitimate funds, that constitutes money laundering. She explained that money laundering involves the proceeds of illicit criminal activity and provided examples such as selling a human being or engaging in human trafficking.
ACP Joan Bull emphasized that the purpose of explaining this to media practitioners was to educate the general public, who may not fully understand the concept of money laundering. She reiterated that money laundering involves illegal activities that generate money, which is then used to make it appear clean and legitimate.
According to ACP Bull, financial crimes require technical expertise, and the SLP strives to meet the required standards. She disclosed that Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu is ensuring they provide training for criminal investigators, with upcoming sessions planned for all crime officers, particularly senior officers.
ACP Bull stated that they are focused on investigating and identifying offenses and meeting high standards to handle such matters effectively. She emphasized the importance of conducting thorough investigations to avoid complications during court proceedings. She highlighted the measures in place to prevent criminal activities like human trafficking while urging the public to remain vigilant against illegal activities.
ACP Joan Bull Kamara revealed that she currently deals with over 15 cases related to companies such as Qnet, My Coin, and Super Advertise.
These companies have allegedly defrauded citizens by misleading them with claims of legitimate businesses. She emphasized the challenges they face in prosecuting these cases and underscored the importance of public cooperation with the SLP. ACP Kamara emphasized that the SLP will not compromise on criminal matters and mentioned instances where individuals try to manipulate legal processes to avoid prosecution. She explained the significance of victims coming forward to assist in prosecuting criminal cases to ensure accountability.
Finally, she highlighted the cooperation of the public as a vital factor in addressing these challenges and mentioned the successful convictions of human trafficking agents as a result of collaborative efforts.
