Mozambique: Attorney-General demands anti-corruption drive and internal clean-up at SERNIC

• Attorney-General, Américo Julião Letela, said on Wednesday, 11 November, that integrity, discipline and internal control mechanisms within the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) needed to be strengthened, warning that misconduct by members who use the institution to protect criminals or facilitate illegal activities would not be tolerated.

Mozambique’s Attorney-General has called for stronger internal control mechanisms and accountability for members of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) involved in illegal activities. Américo Letela was speaking on Wednesday in Maputo at the opening of SERNIC’s Coordinating Council, where he warned that the use of State resources and authority to benefit criminal organisations would not be tolerated.

No protection for criminals

In his address, Attorney-General Américo Letela said the institution must not serve as a shield for individuals involved in criminal activities, stressing that the integrity of its members is essential to maintaining the credibility of investigations.

“We will not protect misconduct, tolerate the use of the institution for criminal purposes, or hesitate to take the measures provided for by law whenever the facts established justify them,” he said.

The Attorney-General described the involvement of investigators in criminal schemes as particularly serious, especially when they use confidential information, resources and knowledge acquired in the course of their duties to protect suspects or obstruct the work of the authorities.

“A member who uses his position to protect criminals, facilitate illegal activities, disclose confidential information or obstruct investigations betrays not only his professional duties. He betrays the institutional mission he has undertaken on behalf of the State and society,” Letela said.

In the fight against organised and transnational crime, the Attorney-General identified kidnappings, drug trafficking and money laundering as some of the areas requiring greater investigative capacity.

He argued that SERNIC’s work must make it possible to identify not only those carrying out criminal acts, but also the masterminds, financiers and facilitators behind criminal networks.

Corruption in traffic enforcement

Corruption in road traffic enforcement also came under scrutiny. Letela warned that accepting bribes to overlook offences or allow unroadworthy vehicles to circulate could contribute to accidents and put lives at risk.

“Corruption in the field of road traffic cannot be regarded as a minor irregularity or a socially acceptable practice,” he warned, challenging SERNIC to strengthen coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the authorities responsible for traffic enforcement.

The Attorney-General also called for greater vigilance and operational readiness, particularly as the end-of-year festive season approaches. He advocated updating security plans and improving the flow of information between central and provincial units.

Working conditions

Regarding working conditions, he acknowledged the shortage of material, technological, financial and human resources affecting the institution’s activities, while welcoming the increase in operational funding provided by the government. He stressed, however, that resources must be used transparently and directed towards concrete results.

“Operational funds should not be seen merely as additional financial support, but as an instrument placed at the disposal of criminal investigations to produce concrete, measurable and socially relevant results,” he said.

Américo Letela also addressed the review of the statute governing SERNIC members and the recruitment of new officers, arguing that an increase in personnel must be accompanied by continuous training, discipline and professional integrity.

The Coordinating Council of the National Criminal Investigation Service is expected to produce concrete guidelines to improve criminal investigation capacity, strengthen institutional coordination and increase accountability among SERNIC leaders and personnel.

Source: O País