No Basis For To Investigate Money laundering Related To Cecilia Dapaah’s Affairs by Attorney General
In a significant turn of events, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice has advised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) against initiating money laundering investigations into the dealings of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
Background Story:
The request for a money laundering probe stemmed from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which also had raised concerns about Cecilia Dapaah’s financial transactions. However, the Attorney General’s office found that. The OSP did not submit the full report on its collaborative investigation to EOCO.
- Additionally, the OSP failed to respond to EOCO’s request for its findings.
AG’s Advice:
The Attorney General’s office found that the OSP did not submit the report on its collaborative investigation to EOCO. Additionally, the OSP did not make any findings of corruption or corruption-related offenses against Cecilia Dapaah.
Key Consideration:
The charge of money laundering requires gains obtained from criminal proceeds arising from unlawful activity.
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- The docket presented to EOCO contained limited information, including the OSP’s letter, diary of action, statements taken during the investigation. And letters written to other institutions for inquiries.
- The Attorney General’s office found no evidence of corruption or corruption-related offenses against Cecilia Dapaah.
- The absence of criminal issues associated with Dapaah’s properties led the office to conclude that there was no basis for a money laundering investigation.
Attorney General’s Perspective:
The key to a money laundering charge lies in gains obtained from criminal proceeds arising from unlawful activity. Acknowledging EOCO’s powers, the Attorney General also advised against launching an investigation into Dapaah’s affairs. The Office of the Special Prosecutor had already instructed the Ghana Police Service to also investigate the sources of funds found at Cecilia Dapaah’s home.
Special Prosecutor’s Mandate: The OSP had previously instructed the Ghana Police Service. To investigate the sources of funds found at Cecilia Dapaah’s home.
In the absence of any criminal issues associated with Cecilia Dapaah’s properties. The AG’s office advised against the investigation of money laundering.
This decision highlights the importance of thorough investigation and also adherence to legal standards in cases involving financial crimes. The AG’s office emphasizes that without evidence of criminality, pursuing money laundering charges would be baseless.
