Financial Crime World

Sierra Leone’s Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing: A Challenge to Effectively Implement the AML/CFT Act

Introduction

Two years after the criminalization of money laundering and terrorism financing activities in Sierra Leone, concerns remain over the effectiveness of the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regime. This article examines the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s justice sector in implementing the AML/CFT Act 2012.

Challenges to Effective Implementation

According to a recent performance rating by the Inter-Governmental Working Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Sierra Leone has failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of its AML/CFT Act through prosecutions and convictions. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established as an autonomous entity under Section 2 of the AML/CFT Act 2012, has been tasked with identifying proceeds of unlawful activities, combating money laundering and terrorist financing, sharing information with law enforcement authorities, and enforcing compliance with the Act.

Despite these efforts, Sierra Leone’s justice sector faces significant challenges in addressing corruption and implementing effective anti-money laundering measures. The Office of the Ombudsman, responsible for investigating maladministration and administrative injustices, lacks judicial powers to impose sanctions on wrongdoers. The judiciary is plagued by inefficiency, lack of transparency, and corruption, with judges reluctant to hand down custodial sentences against corrupt officials.

The Sierra Leone Police, which plays a critical role in the justice sector, faces its own set of challenges, including widespread allegations of indiscipline and corruption. Efforts to reform the police have focused on better training and meritorious promotions for officers, but more needs to be done to address these issues.

Solutions to Address Challenges

Various solutions have been proposed to strengthen the justice sector, including:

  • Creation of a payroll Trust Fund for judges
  • Recruitment of foreign judges on a contract basis
  • Introduction of fast-track litigation procedures
  • Establishment of special anti-corruption courts
  • Strengthening accountability mechanisms in institutions
  • Improving training and infrastructure in the justice sector

Conclusion

Sierra Leone’s fight against money laundering and terrorism financing remains a significant challenge, requiring sustained efforts to strengthen its justice sector and address corruption. The government has acknowledged these challenges and is working to implement solutions to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the administration of justice. The country’s commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing remains unwavering, but more needs to be done to effectively implement the AML/CFT Act 2012.

Sierra Leone’s Justice Sector: A Key Player in the Fight Against Corruption

The Sierra Leone justice sector plays a critical role in the fight against corruption. However, accountability mechanisms are either absent or weak in many institutions, including the judiciary, which is plagued by inefficiency, lack of transparency, and corruption.

The Office of the Ombudsman, established under Act No. 2 of 1997, investigates maladministration and administrative injustices, but lacks judicial powers to impose sanctions on wrongdoers. The Sierra Leone Police, responsible for investigating crimes and enforcing laws, faces widespread allegations of indiscipline and corruption.

The justice sector is comprised of various institutions, including:

  • Judiciary
  • Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs
  • Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
  • Sierra Leone Police
  • Sierra Leone Prison Service
  • Human Rights Commission
  • Judicial and Legal Services Commission
  • Law Reform Commission
  • Office of the Ombudsman
  • Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to strengthen the justice sector and address corruption.

Challenges Facing Sierra Leone’s Justice Sector

  1. Inefficiency and lack of transparency in the judiciary
  2. Corruption among judges and law enforcement officials
  3. Weak accountability mechanisms in institutions
  4. Lack of resources and infrastructure in the justice sector
  5. Insufficient training for judges and law enforcement officials