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As the Liberia National Lottery Authority(NLA) continues on its mission to clean up the country’s gambling industry, it has established a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Compliance Unit that will focus on safeguarding the sector from potential financial crimes.
Newly appointed NLA Director General Hon. Peter Solo emphasized the authority’s determination to prevent criminal exploitation within the sector. By introducing this compliance unit, the NLA aims to strengthen oversight and ensure that all operations adhere to legal standards.
“Our duty is to ensure that the NLA is not only compliant with the AML/CFT Act of 2021 but is also leading the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in the gaming sector,” Solo stated.
“Our mandate is clear: we will not allow the NLA to be a conduit for illicit funds. This unit has the authority, resources and expertise to ensure full compliance.”
A War on Money Laundering in Gambling
The newly formed AML/CFT Compliance Unit will act as the internal enforcement arm of the NLA, making sure that gaming operators comply with legal requirements.
This unit aims to enhance oversight of licensed operators, who will work closely with the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and other relevant institutions to guard against the misuse of the gambling sector.
Leading this unit will be Hon. Richlue Burphy, the Deputy Director General for Lotto Games and the NLA’s designated FIA contact, alongside several other appointed members who will contribute to this important mission.
As Liberia’s primary authority for financial intelligence, the FIA plays a crucial role in enforcing AML/CFT laws and monitoring compliance. Its partnership with the NLA is vital for protecting the gambling industry from potential exploitation for money laundering or terrorist financing.
“This unit is more than just a regulatory formality; it is a frontline defence for the integrity of Liberia’s gaming industry. We will work tirelessly to identify, monitor and prevent any attempts to use our sector for money laundering or terror financing. Compliance will not be optional; it will be the standard,” Burphy stated.
Cleaning Up the Industry
The establishment of the new compliance unit comes at a crucial time for Liberia’s gaming sector. Earlier this month, the FIA imposed a hefty fine of L$6 million (€25,000) on 50/50 Casino Inc. due to serious shortcomings in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing practices.
This penalty was announced on August 8, 2025, following a detailed inspection that took place between October 9 and 15, 2024. The FIA’s review found that the casino, located in Monrovia, had significant flaws in its AML/CFT controls, marking a clear violation of Liberia’s 2021 AML/CFT Act.
In a statement, Hon. Mohammed Ali Nasser, the FIA officer-in-charge, stated, “Given significant inadequacies in AML/CFT controls, risk exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing, and 50/50 Casino Inc.’s non-compliance with AML/CFT laws of Liberia.”
Source: FocusNGN
