As the investigation into the Mineral Wealth Fund affair continues to unfold, new revelations have emerged about Igor Siberud, the controversial figure at the center of a scandal that threatens to undermine President Bio’s well-intentioned initiatives. Siberud stands accused of attempting to seize control of the Mineral Wealth Fund for personal gain, allegedly supported by a network of self-serving politicians
Siberud’s Curriculum Vitae paints a picture of a “seasoned Executive with a proven track record of transforming state-owned industrial assets into profitable entities.” He claims to specialize in governance, financial metrics, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), boasting an “exceptional ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies and NGOs.” He also professes a commitment to “social responsibility, sustainability, and international legal frameworks.” However, our investigation has found no verifiable evidence that Siberud has ever managed critical national assets or Mineral Wealth Funds.
His assertion that he “negotiated stakeholder interests” during the Zambia Sovereign Debt Crisis remains unverified. Given Sierra Leone’s pressing need to avoid a Mineral Wealth Fund or Sovereign Wealth crisis, the relevance of his purported expertise, if it even exists, is highly questionable.
Additionally, Siberud’s claims of holding various roles at the partially Uzbekistani state-owned company UzmetKombinat from 2018 to 2020—spanning geological work, mine management, and environmental management—are increasingly suspect. His CV lacks any indication of the necessary education, training, or experience required for these positions.
The highest verifiable qualification listed on Siberud’s CV is a High School Diploma from the Leysin American High School in Switzerland. He also notes studying Business Management and Administration at Touro College in Berlin from 2005 to 2009, yet he fails to specify any degree or qualification obtained.
For many Sierra Leoneans, the troubling fact that this high school diploma holder is now serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sierra Leone Mineral Wealth Fund raises serious concerns. He has updated his CV to reflect this new role at a time when qualified Sierra Leoneans are actively seeking opportunities to contribute to national development. The prospect of entrusting the Mineral Wealth Fund to a foreigner with such limited qualifications is alarming.
The situation is further complicated by high-ranking government officials, including Cabinet Ministers, who appear intent on retaining Siberud as CEO of the Mineral Wealth Fund. Reports indicate they are pressuring President Bio to sign an agreement with his company, Mount View, seemingly for their own benefit at the expense of the country’s future. Fortunately, President Bio has resisted this pressure and is currently reviewing the agreement with caution.
As the investigation into Siberud and his backers in government continues, we pledge to support the President by providing crucial information about the potential dangers of this deal and exposing those involved. We are committed to keeping the public informed as more details emerge regarding this unfolding scandal. The implications for Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth and governance could be profound, and transparency is essential for the nation’s future.