The Anti-Corruption Commission has held a press conference on the missing dollars meant for the reconstruction of Sierra Leone Permanent Mission House in New York.
According to the ACC, preliminary investigations have been done and interviews conducted with various persons of interest including past and current high profile government officials.
The investigations reveal that the original contract for the renovation was two million five hundred and sixty thousands US dollars, but for no mentioned reasons, another two million US dollars in approximation was added to the contract, adding that over 100% was added to the original contractual price without following due procedures.
The investigation points out that over 90% of the payment has been done to the contractor while only 47% of the work has been completed.
The investigation reveals that no proper procurement procedures were followed from bidding process, signing the contract to making payments. According to the investigation, the contractor, who is an American citizen, does not even have a license.
The investigation highlights that in the process of transferring monies from Sierra Leone to New York, some monies went to the Sierra Leone Permanent House Account while some found it way into private hands.
The ACC noted that based on the evidences it has gathered, many interested persons will be charged to court.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.