Over fifteen cases relating to money laundering offences are presently being prosecuted in court by the state. ACP Joan Bull Kamara, Head of the Legal and Justice Support Department of Sierra Leone Police, speaking on 'Fighting Money Laundering: Where Are We and What Is Being Done?', in Freetown recently disclosed this; acknowledging however that there is a tendency for some people to attempt influencing outcomes on these cases and compromise the integrity of the process.

She outlined steps being taken by her department to address money laundering in Sierra Leone measures put in place to combat financial crime and strengthen the justice system.

Ms. Bull Kamara highlighted that money laundering, often linked with other criminal activities, poses a significant threat to national institutions and the economy, noting that the police and Ministry of Justice are working together to combat this issue through thorough investigations and collaboration across agencies. “The Sierra Leone Police are actively working to elevate standards for investigating financial activities in the country. Recently, the Inspector General of Police announced a new training program for criminal investigators, with a focus on strengthening skills in detecting and handling money laundering cases. This training, scheduled for the next two weeks, will target all crimes officers, particularly senior criminal officers”.

Also speaking at the occasion, Deputy Minister of Justice Mr. Alpha Sesay said there are new policies and collaborative efforts in place to strengthen Sierra Leone's regulatory framework.

The government, according to him is working with the Financial Intelligence Agency and the Sierra Leone Police to implement strategic reforms, enhanced training, and public awareness initiatives to tackle financial malfeasance and protect economic stability. “There are collaborative efforts underway between the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to enhance investigation and enforcement framework governing financial crimes”.

Madam Bull Kamara explained that the training aims not only to improve investigative skills but also to ensure that officers can conduct investigations independently, reducing reliance on State Counsels, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers, and preventing the influence of criminal activities on public officials.

ACP Joan Bull Kamara emphasized the seriousness of money laundering, underscoring 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 are still undergoing trials.