Guinean Special Prosecutor Charles Wright recently appeared on Télé 24's "Guinée Today" program, where he discussed several sensitive judicial cases, including AGETIPE, Pharmacie centrale de Guinée (PHARMAGUI), and procedures against certain former public officials. Wright emphasized that his approach is based on rigorous investigations, evidence gathering, and the fight against illicit enrichment. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his predecessor, Aly Touré, while praising the efforts made during his tenure.
Wright revealed that upon taking office, he found around 19 to 20 cases had been referred for investigation the previous year. Within three days, he had filed 25 procedures with the competent chamber, as several reports had not received judicial orientation. However, he stressed that financial investigations require time to establish responsibilities, verify financial movements, and gather evidence to support prosecutions. Wright defended his method, focusing on thorough investigations and evidence-based decision-making.
The AGETIPE case involves an investigation into the management of the Guinean Agency for Public Works Execution for Employment. Wright explained that the investigation must consider the entire period concerned by the reported facts, not just the current director-general. He emphasized the need to examine the responsibilities of former leaders and track successive decisions made. Wright advocates for a case-by-case approach to determine actual responsibilities and avoid unjustified accusations.
Wright also addressed the issue of alleged illicit enrichment by former public officials. He mentioned situations where large sums of money are found in bank accounts, stressing that investigations must determine whether these funds come from illicit activities. Wright recalled that the presence of several billion Guinean francs in a bank account does not, in itself, establish a crime; the origin of the funds must be verified and compared to investigation elements.
The prosecutor special to the CRIEF, Charles Wright, has also frozen several accounts as part of conservatory measures to preserve state interests during judicial proceedings. Wright stated that accountability policies must now apply to all public officials, regardless of their rank or proximity to authorities. He justified maintaining travel restrictions on certain officials by the need to ensure their availability to investigators.
Wright discussed the management of the Pharmacie centrale de Guinée, where several officials, including Director-General Dr. Labilé Sagno, are facing procedures. He denounced alleged irregularities in public markets, citing possible conflicts of interest and the acquisition of medications with near expiration dates. These practices, according to Wright, could involve inflating market amounts while favoring products with decreasing commercial value.
Finally, Wright called on citizens who denounce alleged corruption or embezzlement to provide documents and verifiable evidence. He emphasized that denunciations must be based on serious elements to justify opening investigations, rather than relying on rumors or unverified information. Wright concluded that his approach prioritizes evidence-based decision-making and the fight against illicit enrichment, ensuring accountability for public officials.
Key points
- The Guinean Special Prosecutor Charles Wright emphasizes rigorous investigations and evidence-based decision-making in sensitive judicial cases.
- Wright's approach prioritizes accountability for public officials and the fight against illicit enrichment.
- The prosecutor calls for citizens to provide documents and verifiable evidence when denouncing alleged corruption or embezzlement.
