In a landmark anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has successfully recovered over NLe 34 million (approximately US$1.5 million) stolen by a fugitive, Salim Mansaray. Mansaray, who fled to Dubai to evade justice, was tracked down and returned to Sierra Leone to face charges of corruption and money laundering.
Salim Mansaray, described as a key perpetrator of financial crimes, misappropriated funds meant for the people of Sierra Leone while working within a banking institution. The ACC not only recovered the stolen funds but also confiscated over NLe 1 million from Mansaray’s personal accounts, rendering him bankrupt.
The ACC has confirmed that Mansaray pleaded guilty to various charges of corruption and money laundering. His guilty plea paves the way for justice and sets a strong precedent for zero tolerance against financial crimes in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the recovery, the ACC vowed to continue its relentless pursuit of those who misappropriate public funds.
“These criminals will not hide. We will continue to hound anyone who touches money meant for the people of Sierra Leone and ensure they pay every penny and face other consequences. Enough is enough!” the ACC declared in a statement.
The recovered funds will be returned to the people of Sierra Leone, marking a significant victory in the fight against corruption. This effort reflects the ACC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability at all levels.
The ACC’s recovery efforts serve as a stark warning to potential offenders that corruption will not be tolerated. The Commission continues to encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any acts of corruption to support its mission of fostering transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone.
This recovery underscores the ACC’s dedication to protecting the interests of the nation and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
