Ambassador Vens added while addressing AML/CFT issues that it is therefore becoming increasingly relevant for Sierra Leone to attract more foreign direct investments.
The EU Ambassador made this statement on Monday 15th April, 2019 at the opening of the fourth EU/GIABA sponsored awareness raising workshop for Lawyers, Notaries Public, Real Estate Agents and Car Dealers on AML/CFT. The three-day exercise is ongoing at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown.
Ambassador Vens further explained that his organization is committed to supporting countries in building fences against money laundering and the financing of terrorism through AML/CFT standard. He maintained that they know that these global challenges cannot be resolved by countries working alone.
The Ambassador added that money laundering is the processing of criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin, and the financing of terrorism are serious problems that affect all societies. “That can only be tackled if we work effectively together as a global community,” he noted.
The former Director of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Mr. Ahmed B. Kamara was given the opportunity to serve as the keynote Speaker.
“This is the fourth EU/GIABA sponsored workshop in a quick succession since the new leadership at the FIU was installed in February 12th this year,” the former FIU Director said.
