The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the necessity of strengthening the recovery of stolen wealth and their repatriation especially in poor developing countries where the impact of illicit financial flows has had a devastating effect to the economy and livelihoods of people.
Sierra Leone is determined to give effect to the obligations set out in Chapter V of the Convention in order to prevent, detect, and deter in a more effective manner, the internal transfer of proceeds of crime and to strengthen international cooperation, Mr. Davies added.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, Sierra Leone had been reviewed recently on compliance to the provisions in Chapter 3 and 4 (Criminalization and International Cooperation) of the UNCAC. He called upon State Parties to take necessary measures, including a legislative instrument to return stolen wealth to countries of their origin.
On the fringes of the Conference, Mr. Davies held discussions with Regional Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in West Africa, and in particular, the Mano River Union (MRU) countries to firm up arrangements for their planned study tour to Sierra Leone in December to climax activities in commemoration of this year’s International Anti-Corruption (IAC) Day.
The Conference started on the 2nd November 2015 at the Lenexpo Conference Centre in St. Petersburg. The President of the Conference, who is also Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation Alexandria Konolov, expressed the need for the removal of administrative barriers to the recovery of stolen assets. He called for a resolute action against corruption in the public and private sectors, noting that when bribes are paid, everyone counts the cost.
The St. Petersburg’s Conference is the World’s largest anti-corruption gathering and brings together people from member-states, Parliaments, Inter-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society groups, the private sector and the media.
Sierra Leone is among the first few countries that signed to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on 9th December, 2003 and ratified same on October 30, 2004.
