Cllr. Edwin K. Martins, the head of Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s Assets Recovery Team, has identified Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Dubai as key locations where stolen Liberian assets are believed to be hidden. With the assistance of international partners, the team has uncovered evidence suggesting that significant amounts of misappropriated public funds have been funneled into these three countries, both in the form of liquid assets held in bank accounts and investments, and potentially in physical assets. The team is actively collaborating with international authorities to navigate the complex legal procedures required for the repatriation of these assets back to Liberia.
The Assets Recovery Team, officially known as the Assets Recovery & Property Retrieval Team (AREPT), has faced significant challenges since its inception, including protracted legal battles that have hampered its investigative efforts. One notable case involved a dispute with Gracious Ride Incorporated, a company suspected of being established with illicitly acquired government funds. The team seized several vehicles from the company, leading to a lengthy court battle. However, a recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Assets Recovery Team has paved the way for renewed efforts to pursue individuals and entities suspected of involvement in the misappropriation of state assets. This legal victory allows the team to refocus its efforts on investigating numerous high-profile cases.
Despite the legal obstacles encountered, Cllr. Martins and his team have been working diligently to establish collaborations with international partners in the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria. These partnerships are critical for tracing and recovering stolen assets hidden abroad. One tangible outcome of these efforts is the upcoming visit of a UK partner to Liberia in March 2025. The UK expert will assist in reviewing evidence gathered by the team, providing crucial support for the Liberian government’s pursuit of those who have plundered the nation’s resources. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border financial crimes.
President Boakai’s executive order, which established the Assets Recovery Team and granted it the authority to investigate and recover stolen assets, is set to expire next month. This looming deadline adds urgency to the team’s efforts to gather evidence and initiate legal proceedings against those implicated in the misappropriation of public funds. While acknowledging the impending expiration, Cllr. Martins expressed confidence that President Boakai would renew the executive order, recognizing the importance of continuing the fight against corruption and recovering stolen assets. The renewal of the order is crucial for the team to continue its work effectively.
In the meantime, Cllr. Martins has issued a stern warning to individuals who will be called upon for questioning as part of the ongoing investigations. He stressed the importance of cooperation with the legal process and emphasized the consequences of non-compliance. Individuals who refuse to cooperate with the team’s inquiries could face formal charges, indictments, and prosecutions based on the evidence already in the team’s possession. This warning serves to underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the team’s commitment to pursuing justice.
The Assets Recovery Team, having secured the favorable Supreme Court ruling in the Gracious Ride Incorporated case, has now identified 17 high-profile cases involving a range of alleged financial improprieties. These cases include the theft of public assets, the acquisition of suspicious properties, embezzlement through fraudulent road construction companies and other construction firms, and the direct theft of liquid assets. The team’s focus has expanded beyond the initial vehicle seizure case to encompass a broader spectrum of illicit activities. With renewed momentum and strengthened international collaborations, the team is poised to intensify its efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the misappropriation of Liberia’s resources.
