By Bill W. Cooper
The new Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Alexandra Zoe, has made a strong commitment to collaborate with both local and international institutions for the vibrancy of LACC.
The new LACC boss said this is intended to collectively work towards reducing the illicit outflow of stolen assets from Liberia in an effort to combat corruption and illicit financial activities.
She spoke Tuesday, September 26, 2023, during the start of a five-day National Case Mentoring and Workshop on Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption with Law Enforcement Agencies, in Monrovia.
Held under the theme: “Understanding and Tracking Transitional and Economic Crimes,” the workshop also focuses on Criminal Investigation of Traditional Crimes, Introduction to Interpol Notice, and Asset Recovery, through cross border collaboration.
The training was organized by the LACC, in collaboration with INTERPOL, for officers of the LACC, as well as the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Liberia National Police (LNP), and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
Cllr. Zoe noted, “I’m excited for today’s training because it serves as another example for INTERPOL to continue to police the borders and reduce illicit financial flows and to create a borderless world in the fight against crime.”
“This exercise also shows how we can build stronger collaboration at every level of our society and beyond our borders, to reduce incidents of fraud, waste, and illicit financial flows that threaten the stability of Liberia.
“So, the LACC, under my leadership, will continue to build syndicates with both local and international institutions to reduce the space and opportunity for illicit flows of stolen assets,” she maintained.
The LACC Boss also assured of her ambition to strengthen cooperation with strategic partners, including local law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and international organizations specializing in anti-corruption efforts.
This, she disclosed, that the primary focus of said collaborative effort is to enhance the capacity of the LACC in investigating, preventing, and prosecuting cases related to illegal financial activities, particularly those involving stolen assets.
The Chairperson also emphasized the need for sustained efforts in preventing grand corruption and recovering stolen assets, as they undermine the rule of law, impede development, and erode public trust.
She thanked INTERPOL team for the training, as well as the participants for taking time off their busy schedules in ensuring that the fight against corruption in Liberia is actualized.
Cllr. Zoe, officially opening the workshop, further encouraged the participants and wished them well in holding a fruitful deliberation and crafting of policy to aid in the fight against corruption and other illicit financial practices.
With sustained commitment, determination and assurance of the LACC Boss, Liberia can pave the way for a brighter future, marked by transparent governance, economic stability, and increased trust in public institutions.
