–17 High-Profile Cases Under Asset Recovery Team’s Radar
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has disclosed 17 high-profile cases involving the theft of public assets, acquisition of suspicious properties, and fraudulent activities through fake road construction companies and other entities. The announcement comes on the heels of AREPT’s legal victory over Anita Group/Gracious Ride, a case that had previously stalled the task force’s operations for nine months.
AREPT Chairperson Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin revealed that during the nine-month stay order imposed by the Supreme Court, individuals under investigation exploited the delay to engage in illicit activities. “Persons of interest, acting under the cover of darkness, criminally transferred suspicious funds from their accounts, changed bank details, illegally moved government vehicles to neighboring countries, and sold them. They also resprayed and altered the original identities of government vehicles, changed title deeds overnight, and falsified documents to conceal the true ownership of government assets,” Cllr. Martin stated during a press briefing.
The task force says it is now prepared to pursue the recovery of these stolen assets, with investigations extending to countries such as Dubai, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. Cllr. Martin emphasized that AREPT has established robust international partnerships to support its efforts. “We have secured cooperation with dozens of international partners in the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria. One of our partners from the UK is expected to arrive in Liberia next month (March) to assist in reviewing evidence and providing technical support to the government’s anti-corruption efforts,” he announced.
Through these collaborations, AREPT has identified three global hotspots where Liberia’s stolen liquid assets have been banked and invested: Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Dubai. “We are working tirelessly with our partners to ensure that proper international protocols and litigation are applied to recover these assets. AREPT is prepared to engage in legal battles in these hotspots to ensure that Liberia’s stolen assets are identified, traced, and recovered,” Cllr. Martin declared.
The task force has also called on current and former government officials to cooperate with its investigations. “We anticipate that all officials will honor our invitations when needed. Their compliance will enhance and expedite our investigations,” Cllr. Martin said. He warned that refusal to cooperate would result in legal action. “Willful and deliberate refusal to respect our invitations will leave us with no alternative but to use available evidence to formally charge, indict, and prosecute individuals in accordance with the rule of law.”
Cllr. Martin underscored the devastating impact of corruption on Liberia’s development. “Liberia has suffered greatly due to theft and corruption. It is time for us to rise up and fight this battle. When we win, our infrastructure will transform, and our hospitals, schools, and roads will be modernized to meet international standards,” he asserted.
The AREPT chairperson also highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 18, 2025, which upheld the constitutionality of Executive Order #126 and affirmed the legitimacy of the task force. “I am proud to state that the AREPT legal team, headed by me, defeated Anita Group/Gracious Ride in all eight legal engagements. This victory solidifies our authority and sets the stage for us to recover what rightfully belongs to the Liberian people,” he said.
With the legal hurdles now cleared, AREPT has resumed its operations, focusing on investigating illegal assets, suspicious properties, and the theft of public resources. Cllr. Martin reiterated the task force’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. “There will be no turning back, no business as usual, and no more impunity. We are determined to ensure that stolen assets are recovered and used for the benefit of all Liberians,” he concluded.
