The Head of Legal and Prosecution at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Leo Antony Siamah, has urged the public to exercise patience with the agency’s work, citing the complex and time-consuming nature of financial crime investigations.
In an interview, Mr. Siamah explained that asset recovery and financial investigations require the meticulous tracing and analysis of large volumes of financial transactions and data, which often take considerable time to complete.
He noted that building a strong case in such matters involves following intricate money trails and linking stolen assets directly to perpetrators — a process that cannot be rushed.
Mr. Siamah emphasized that greater public understanding of EOCO’s mandate and the challenges involved would help reduce undue pressure on investigators and allow them to conduct more thorough and effective work.
He also stressed the importance of public education in raising awareness about the complexities of financial crime, adding that informed citizens are more likely to support the agency’s efforts.
Highlighting the international dimension of many financial crimes, Mr. Siamah underscored the critical role of cross-border collaboration and mutual legal assistance with foreign authorities. He noted that these processes can be lengthy, requiring patience and cooperation from all stakeholders.
He concluded by calling for enhanced public education campaigns to deepen understanding of EOCO’s role and the realities of financial investigations, urging the public to support the agency’s fight against organized and economic crime.
