Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Financial Intelligence Agency [FIA] has finally been admitted into the Egmont Group, eight years since its first application. The admission now puts FIA on a higher pedigree, joining the global league of key players in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Egmont Group is a prestigious global network comprising over 170 Financial Intelligence Bodies dedicated to enhancing international cooperation through the secure exchange of financial intelligence and the promotion of best practices in the fight against financial crime. Sierra Leone’s admission into this respected body underscores the FIA’s compliance with international standards and its demonstrated operational, legal, and technical capacity.
Sierra Leone’s admission into the group is also a testament to President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to joining global bodies to fight against dirty money and terrorism financing.
In his acceptance speech at the Egmont Plenary in Luxembourg, Director General of FIA-Sierra Leone, David N. Borbor, said Sierra Leone’s admission will expand the country’s reach in the fight against money laundering.
“Joining the Egmont Group is not merely a symbolic gesture for FIA Sierra Leone. It is a fundamental step toward enhancing our operational capabilities, strengthening our analytical intelligence, and, most importantly, expanding our reach in cross-border financial investigations. We recognise that financial crime knows no borders, and effective collaboration among FIUs is the most potent weapon in our arsenal.”
Sierra Leone’s admission in Egmont comes with huge benefits, strengthening global collaboration and capacity for the FIA. FIA will now benefit from access to secure communication channels for the exchange of financial intelligence with other FIUs.
The agency will also have capacity-building opportunities, including specialised training, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer exchanges. It will also get strengthened cooperation in complex, cross-border financial investigations.
DG Borbor, who has already signed up to the Egmont Charter, on behalf of FIA, said the country will be committed to adhering to the Egmont Charter in pushing forward the agency’s very important work.
“As a member of this vital network, FIA Sierra Leone pledges full adherence to the Egmont Charter and the foundational Principles for Information Exchange. We are committed to fostering timely, secure, and reciprocal information sharing—anchored in mutual trust and respect for the confidentiality and data protection standards that underpin this Group’s success.”
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