NATIONAL NEWS
TEMPLE of JUSTICE – Former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Stanley Ford, has denied all allegations in the ongoing US$6.2 million economic sabotage trial, insisting that the disputed funds were lawfully used for national security operations rather than for personal enrichment.
By: Contributing Writer
Taking the stand as the defense’s second witness, Ford told the court that the FIA functions in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force and works in coordination with various law enforcement institutions.
He further explained that over LRD 1 billion and US$500,000 reportedly passed through FIA accounts, but maintained that these resources were strictly directed toward National Joint Security activities.
Ford noted that such security-related funds are handled under a special auditing arrangement, which he said is overseen by a designated auditor who reports directly to the President of Liberia.
However, prosecutors have challenged this position, arguing that all public funds are subject to standard anti-corruption scrutiny, raising a key legal dispute over financial oversight and accountability in the case.
The former FIA boss also dismissed accusations of conspiracy and money laundering, stressing that the state has failed to establish any underlying criminal conduct against him.
The trial has seen several objections from the prosecution, with the court upholding rulings that have restricted parts of the defense’s evidence during proceedings.
Meanwhile, prosecutors, relying on claims from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, allege that FIA accounts were used to conceal public funds, as the high-profile case continues.
