The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctar Touray, was unaware of a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report on a $30 million petroleum products case until a recent committee meeting, where it was revealed that an investigation panel set up by his predecessor was unfinished.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) struggled to obtain cooperation from Aurimas Steiblys of Apogee FZC, who was briefly detained but not charged.
The investigation revealed that several unlicensed parties were involved in petroleum trading, raising concerns about money laundering, but faced procedural issues and external pressures that stymied progress.
Key findings included Officer Pa Alieu Jawara’s inconsistent testimony and the lack of witness statements from banks. The committee recommended: (1) Censure proceedings against former IGP Abdoulie Sanyang for halting the investigation. (2) An independent panel to investigate Jawara’s role within 90 days. (3) A review of the police’s handling of the STR report on Aurimas.
The National Assembly has yet to adopt the report, and a motion for additional review time has been introduced.
