Sierra Leone anti-graft body to probe Red Cross 'fraud'

A formal probe has been launched into allegations the Red Cross staff committed fraud in funds meant for fighting Ebola in Sierra Leone, according to the country's anti-corruption body Monday.

Sierra Leonean Anti-Corruption Deputy Commissioner Shollay Davies told local Radio Democracy in capital Freetown on Monday morning that Red Cross workers and its partners allegedly committed fraud to the tune of at least $6 million, which was meant for fighting the deadly Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

"We are concerned that our international partners who are supposed to help us in times of need are also involved in this alleged type of practice.

"We will investigate this matter to the bottom, including staff of the local Red Cross branch and the local banks involved. Those found guilty will be held accountable locally," Davies said.

In a statement, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) said it suspects collusion between its former staff and employees of a bank that led to a potential financial loss of 2.13 million Swiss francs ($2.13 million).

In Guinea, over and fake billing allegedly by a customs clearance service provider led to an estimated loss of 1.17 million Swiss francs ($1.17 million).

Two additional investigations into further fraud allegations were currently underway.

These cases follow earlier reported investigations in Liberia that uncovered evidence of fraud linked to inflated prices of relief items; payroll and payment of volunteer incentives that led to an estimated 2.7 million Swiss francs ($2.7 million) loss; as well as a 2016 investigation into procurement non-compliance in Sierra Leone.

The IFRC said it is committed to holding to account all those involved in any form of fraud, and to reclaiming all misappropriated, diverted, or otherwise illegally taken funds.

The organization added it was working with anti-graft and legal agencies in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea to legally pursue those involved in the act.

In all cases, IFRC is prepared to waive all legal immunities and privileges to ensure any staff involved are held to account, the statement added.

Sierra Leone's anti-graft agency also urged the public to give out any information relating to the incident to help them in their investigation.