FIA trains journalists to strengthen fight against financial crimes

Published: November 7, 2025

MONROVIA — The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) has trained 25 Liberian journalists on how to investigate and report financial crimes, in what officials describe as a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s defenses against money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit financial activities that threaten national security.

The one-day workshop, held at FIA headquarters in Monrovia, aimed to equip reporters with the skills to recognize, analyze, and explain complex financial schemes that often fuel corruption and undermine public trust in government institutions.

Speaking at the close of the training, FIA Officer-in-Charge Mohammed Ali Nasser said the media remains an essential partner in exposing financial wrongdoing and informing public debate.

“The media is our indispensable ally in the fight against financial crime,” Nasser said. “When journalists are informed, they help protect the integrity of the financial system by educating the public and holding institutions accountable.”

Strengthening Watchdog Capacity

The training brought together mid- to senior-level journalists, editors, and producers from major newsrooms, including ELBC Radio, ECOWAS Radio, FrontPage Africa, The Inquirer, Daily Observer, Truth FM, KMTV, LINA, Women Voices Newspaper, Hot Pepper, Smart News, and Public Trust.

Participants reviewed national and international legal frameworks on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism; learned how to identify suspicious financial behavior and typologies; and received guidance on sourcing credible leads for investigative reporting.

Facilitators used case studies and reporting simulations to demonstrate how financial crimes are structured and concealed. Presentations were made by Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kanubah, Public Trust Managing Publisher Frank Sainworla, and FIA officials Sonkarlay Gonkartee and Amos Goba.

Building Collaboration

The FIA says the training is part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation between financial regulators and the media. Officials expressed hope that the journalists will produce more accurate, impactful reporting that can support policy reforms and deter illicit networks.

Organizers also emphasized that strong, informed journalism can help improve transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Liberia’s financial and governance systems.