The Liberian Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force has concluded its investigation into Gracious Ride and several associated individuals, including former Presidential Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Nora Finda Bundoo. The investigation, which spanned nearly a year and involved court proceedings, centered on allegations of conflict of interest, theft of property, misapplication of public funds, economic sabotage, and money laundering related to the acquisition and operation of Gracious Ride, a subsidiary of the Anita Group of Companies. While this phase of the investigation has been closed, authorities are now redirecting their efforts towards individuals and businesses that engaged in transactions with the implicated companies. This shift signals a broadening of the scope of the investigation as the Task Force seeks to unravel the full extent of the alleged financial improprieties.
The Task Force’s investigation into Ambassador Bundoo specifically focused on her alleged role in using her official position and influence during her tenure under former President George Weah to facilitate the acquisition of Gracious Ride through illicit means. She was accused of signing official documents related to the companies under investigation. However, Ambassador Bundoo has vehemently denied these allegations, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated smear campaign designed to tarnish her reputation. She declined the Task Force’s repeated invitations for questioning, citing the perceived bias of the investigative body. This refusal to cooperate ultimately led to the Task Force invoking specific articles of the Liberian Constitution and Criminal Procedure Law.
The official communication from the Task Force, dated April 15, 2025, informed Ambassador Bundoo of the ongoing probe into her alleged involvement with Gracious Ride and the Anita Group of Companies. Just days after a court ruling permitted the Task Force to proceed with its investigation, Ambassador Bundoo was summoned for questioning. Her refusal to cooperate, facilitated by her legal team, became the pivotal point in the Task Force’s decision to close the investigation concerning her and other similarly summoned individuals. The Task Force indicated that they exhausted all available avenues to secure her cooperation before resorting to legal measures.
Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando, speaking on behalf of the Task Force, confirmed the closure of the investigation into Ambassador Bundoo and other related individuals. He emphasized that her refusal to appear before the Task Force, despite the legal mandate granted to the investigative body, left them with no other recourse than to invoke Article 21 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, along with Sections 2.1 and 2.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law. These legal provisions likely address the powers of investigative bodies and the consequences of non-compliance with official summons. While the specific details of these articles and sections were not elaborated upon, their invocation suggests a potential legal challenge to Ambassador Bundoo’s refusal to cooperate.
While the investigation concerning Ambassador Bundoo and other initially summoned individuals has concluded, the overall investigation remains active. Minister Sando clarified that the Task Force will continue its pursuit of individuals and businesses that had dealings with Gracious Ride and the Anita Group of Companies. This new phase of the investigation suggests that authorities believe the alleged financial improprieties extend beyond the actions of the initially targeted individuals. By focusing on the companies’ financial transactions, the Task Force aims to identify other potential actors and beneficiaries of the alleged illicit activities.
This transition in the investigation highlights the complexities of uncovering potential corruption and financial misconduct. The initial focus on key individuals, like Ambassador Bundoo, has now shifted to a broader examination of financial transactions and business relationships. This strategic shift is intended to trace the flow of funds and identify all parties involved in the alleged scheme. The Task Force’s commitment to pursuing all avenues of inquiry underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds and resources. The outcome of this expanded investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable under Liberian law.
