By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Thursday 6th March 2025 uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme involving 13 staff members of the Freetown City Council (FCC) and 2 employees of Commercial Mortgage Bank (CMB), leading to the misappropriation of over 4 Billion Leones.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, speaking at a press briefing, detailed the intricate web of fraudulent activities that allowed public funds to be diverted into unauthorized accounts. The corruption, which dates back to 2012, involved falsified payments, altered check details, and collaboration with bank staff to bypass financial controls.
The investigation revealed that revenue meant for the FCC—generated from taxes, licenses, billboards, and even graveyard fees—was funneled into private accounts, including one linked to a football club. While some funds have been recovered, several individuals implicated in the scheme have been arrested, and others are under investigation.
Kaifala emphasized the role of banking institutions in enabling the fraud, warning that banks found complicit in government fund misappropriation will face strict consequences, including financial penalties and reputational damage.
“The corruption destroying the fabric of this country is often carried out by individuals in lower-level positions, not just high-profile officials,” Kaifala stated.
He assured the public that the ACC would continue its relentless fight against corruption at all levels.
The FCC leadership has expressed shock and concern over the revelations and is cooperating with the ACC to ensure accountability and systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences.
Investigations are ongoing, and the ACC has vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice while strengthening measures to safeguard public funds from future exploitation.
