Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced a major success in its ongoing fight against corruption with the recovery of over $1.5 million from a corrupt banker.
The recovery was revealed during a press conference held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the ACC headquarters in Freetown.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala shared details of the recovery, referring to the significant sum as “a sea of money” that was stolen by an individual operating secretly within a bank.
According to Kaifala, the stolen funds amounted to over NLe 34 million, which translates to approximately US$1.5 million.
Ben Kaifala stated, “This sea of money represents over NLe 34 million stolen by a single individual working quietly in a corner of a bank. The ACC has successfully recovered this amount, totaling approximately US$1.5 million.”
He identified the individual as Salim Mansaray, describing him as a “criminal” who fled to Dubai but was later extradited back to Sierra Leone. According to Ben Kaifala, the ACC not only recovered the full amount stolen but also seized additional funds from Mansaray’s personal accounts, totaling over NLe 1 million. The Commissioner stressed that Mansaray has been left financially insolvent.
“He has been run bankrupt,” he declared. “In addition to recovering the stolen funds, he has been charged and he pleaded guilty to various corruption and money laundering offenses.”
Ben Kaifala reassured the public that the recovered funds would be returned to the people of Sierra Leone, emphasizing the ACC’s commitment to holding corrupt individuals accountable.
“These criminals cannot hide. We will continue to pursue anyone who misappropriates money meant for the people of Sierra Leone. They will repay every penny and face the consequences of their actions. Enough is enough!”
The Commissioner’s statements highlight the ACC’s firm resolve to tackle corruption and serve as a stern warning to those who attempt to misuse public funds.
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