The Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles (ACCS) and the United States of America will continue to collaborate to fight corruption and money laundering, uphold the rule of law and enhance Seychellois capacity in investigative techniques the two parties said when Commissioner May De Silva welcomed the new Ambassador for the United States of America to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Ambassador Henry V. Jardine to the Anti-Corruption Commission Headquarters on Friday, 24th March.
During their extremely cordial meeting the Ambassador was briefed on the work of the ACCS since its inception in 2016, the investigative casework to date and the programme of education and awareness that has been developed within schools, ministries, departments and agencies. Ms De Silva also thanked the United States for its incredible level of support to the ACCS to date which has involved increasing law enforcement engagement, multi-agency financial investigations and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agents working directly with ACCS on a joint investigation in Seychelles for the first time.
The Commissioner said It is a real pleasure to highlight the ongoing progress of Seychelles and the ACCS, and how the United States has become a vital partner in our fight against global corruption. On the Transparency International Perception Index Seychelles sits as the 23rd least corrupt country in the world and the United States is one place lower. We have united to raise capabilities, standards and awareness and as true partner and friend, America wants us to improve further. We requested assistance from our closest allies when we didnt have all the capabilities we desperately needed, and they heard our call. Now our staff and colleagues at FCIU, FIU and Seychelles Police Force are all benefitting from this engagement, collaboration and experience. We are extremely grateful to His Excellency, the people of the United States and their law enforcement teams for their support and look forward to this continuing for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
His Excellency Ambassador Jardine said, ?It is so progressive to hear about the work of the Anti-Corruption Commission, including the fact that in addition to their big case they have sent four completed files to the Attorney Generals Office for prosecution. We are looking at how we can be more supportive on the issue of corruption and money laundering. The United States responded to the requests of Commissioner De Silva when the needs were identified by sending FBI agents to work directly with ACCS on a joint investigation, mentoring and capacity building basis. This is only the start of our cooperation. I am delighted to announce today that we are working towards providing a long-term FBI support role for the ACCS on matters of mutual assistance including anti-corruption and money laundering, which we hope will benefit the people of Seychelles for many years.