-Initiative Seeks to Strengthen Compliance, Address GIABA Concerns, and Protect Liberia’s Financial System
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia (FIA), in partnership with the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), has launched a nationwide Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and public awareness campaign aimed at strengthening oversight and regulatory compliance within Liberia’s real estate sector.
The campaign, which officially commenced on June 2, 2026, is expected to run through September and will engage key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors across Montserrado County and other parts of the country.
Officials say the initiative represents a major step toward safeguarding Liberia’s financial system from abuse by criminals seeking to launder illicit proceeds through land transactions and real estate investments.
Speaking at the launch, Officer-in-Charge of the Financial Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Nasser, said the exercise was prompted by concerns raised in Liberia’s Second-Round Mutual Evaluation Report conducted by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
According to Nasser, the report identified significant deficiencies in Liberia’s real estate sector, highlighting vulnerabilities that could be exploited for money laundering and other illicit financial activities.
“The campaign is intended to strengthen awareness, improve compliance, and ensure that stakeholders understand their responsibilities under Liberia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism framework,” Nasser said.
Addressing a Critical Vulnerability
Financial crime experts have long warned that the real estate sector remains one of the most attractive avenues for laundering proceeds generated through corruption, fraud, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and other criminal activities.
By channeling illicit funds into land purchases, property development, and other real estate transactions, criminals can conceal the origin of illegally acquired wealth while integrating it into the formal economy.
The FIA and Liberia Land Authority believe that strengthening oversight and compliance within the sector is essential to protecting the integrity of Liberia’s financial and property markets.
Officials say the awareness campaign will focus on educating land administrators, real estate professionals, government officials, legal practitioners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders about their obligations under Liberia’s anti-money laundering laws and international standards.
Strengthening Liberia’s AML/CFT Framework
Nasser described the initiative as part of broader national efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial flows that threaten economic stability and national security.
He noted that Liberia continues to work closely with regional and international partners to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism regime and improve compliance with global standards.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more transparent financial system and ensuring that Liberia is not used as a safe haven for illicit financial activities,” he said.
The campaign will also support ongoing efforts by Liberia to address recommendations made by GIABA and improve the country’s standing in regional and international assessments of its financial crime prevention mechanisms.
Role of the Financial Intelligence Agency
Established as Liberia’s central financial intelligence institution, the FIA is responsible for receiving, analyzing, and conducting preliminary investigations into suspicious financial transactions and activities.
The Agency also plays a leading role in identifying and combating money laundering, terrorist financing, the financing of weapons proliferation, and other financial crimes.
Its mandate includes working with domestic and international partners to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting Liberia’s financial institutions and economic sectors.
Over the years, the FIA has expanded its engagement with stakeholders in the banking, mining, real estate, and business sectors to promote compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and strengthen reporting mechanisms.
Partnership With Liberia Land Authority
The involvement of the Liberia Land Authority underscores growing recognition that land and property transactions require greater transparency and regulatory oversight.
Officials believe closer collaboration between the FIA and LLA will help improve due diligence processes, strengthen recordkeeping systems, and reduce opportunities for illicit actors to exploit land transactions for criminal purposes.
The campaign is expected to include training workshops, stakeholder consultations, public awareness sessions, and technical engagements designed to enhance understanding of anti-money laundering requirements and reporting obligations.
Protecting Economic Stability
Financial analysts note that effective anti-money laundering measures are essential not only for combating crime but also for promoting investor confidence, protecting national revenues, and strengthening economic governance.
Authorities say Liberia’s efforts to improve transparency and accountability in sectors such as real estate form part of a broader strategy to enhance financial integrity, attract investment, and support sustainable economic development.
As the nationwide campaign unfolds over the coming months, officials are hopeful that increased awareness and stronger compliance mechanisms will help close regulatory gaps, strengthen public trust, and protect Liberia’s financial system from abuse.
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