ACC Uncovers Corruption Scheme Involving FCC Officials and Bankers

During a press conference today, Anti-Corruption Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala disclosed details of an ongoing corruption investigation involving the Freetown City Council (FCC).

Despite ongoing efforts to combat corruption, Kaifala noted that some individuals still believe that manipulating the system is a path to success.

The investigation was triggered after the FCC detected discrepancies in certain payments that did not appear in its accounts. One such payment was 100 million Leones from Media Tech, which failed to reflect in the FCC’s records.

Findings revealed that FCC’s revenue streams were being manipulated. When checks were issued in FCC’s name and handed over to various revenue-generating departments, some individuals found a way to divert the funds. By adding “football club” to the check’s name, money intended for the FCC was redirected into a football club’s account instead.

The football club, established by the FCC in 2019 under the direction of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, was initially set up to manage player welfare and team-related expenses. However, after the Mayor and others distanced themselves from managing the account, three new individuals took control. In collaboration with certain bank officials, they diverted approximately 4 billion old Leones, with at least 3 billion Leones misappropriated.

Several individuals linked to the scheme have been arrested, and some have already begun returning the stolen funds. Many have confessed, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is now assessing the next course of action. Kaifala stated that both individuals and the Freetown City Council would face consequences.

A key element of the scheme involved bank officials. Kaifala revealed that some bank staff were complicit in forging signatures to help FCC employees access the diverted funds. He warned that banks facilitating the embezzlement of public funds would face severe repercussions.

“We are going after the banks very strongly. Any bank that helps a public officer steal government funds will not only be required to repay the money but will also face public scrutiny. Where necessary, we will take legal action against them as an institution,” Kaifala stated.

Kaifala further stressed the need for banks to strengthen their internal control systems to protect both public and depositor funds.