The Officer-In-Charge of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liberia (FIUL), now transitioning to the Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia (FIAL), Emmanuel Togar Gee, has pledged his fullest support for maximum awareness and education about Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and a robust campaign against other illicit financial practices among stakeholders and their followers in Liberia’s religious community.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the national sensitization seminar for religious leaders and their institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML)/CFT) recently in Monrovia, Mr. Gee frowned at the danger caused by money laundering and the financing of terrorism to any specified economy cannot be overemphasized.
According to him, launderers and financiers of terrorism take advantage of vulnerabilities in laws, procedures, and systems to commit heinous crimes by themselves or in association with enablers and gatekeepers.
He mentioned that the risk of using religious agenda to perpetrate crimes of money laundering and financing of terrorism through Non-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs) has been identified as very high and counterproductive.
The FIUL Officer-Charge wants proactive and regulatory measures to be applied by all stakeholders in Liberia and outside to address such weaknesses that pose a major threat to global trade, peace, and stability.
“Awareness and sensitization are key measures to preparing and exposing actors of vulnerable sectors to take due care, prevent and report suspicious activities to the FIUL, Ministry of Justice, and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Liberia,” Mr. Gee proposed.

He expressed optimism that during the two days awareness seminar, the religious gathering’s purpose could be achieved, and commitments suggested by Christians, Muslims, and other participants are sustained for the effectiveness of Liberia’s AML/CFT regime.
“The FIUL extends thanks to the government of Liberia for the passage of applicable bills that could positively impact the country’s AML/CFT regime including the Financial Intelligence Agency Act, the New Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Act, and the AML/CFT Preventive Measures, Proceeds of Crimes Act,” he intoned.
He lauded the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a Financial Action Taskforce (FAFT)-styled regional body- for continued support and collaboration with national authorities of West Africa in the fight and prevention against money laundering, financing of terrorism, proliferation financing and other illicit financial activities.
“As Liberia undergoes its 2nd round of mutual evaluation, it is advisable for all actors in the country’s AML/CFT regime, including the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) for continued support, enhanced coordination, and collaboration, as well as the exchange of information to demonstrate Liberia’s compliance with FATF recommendations