The Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE) has strongly refuted what it calls “false, misleading, and malicious” allegations published by some media outlets, which claimed that Acting Director General Hon. Varlee F. Sanor is under investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for financial misconduct.
In a detailed statement, the BSE dismissed the accusations – including claims of financial misappropriation, nepotism, illegal employment, and the awarding of contracts to a nonexistent firm – as a coordinated smear campaign designed to discredit Sanor and derail the ongoing reform and audit process at the institution.
The BSE clarified that Sanor, upon his appointment as Deputy Director General for Administration/Finance, immediately instituted a culture of transparency, due process, and accountability, which clashed with the previous administration’s approach.
According to the Bureau, the suspension of former DG Mr. Arthur S. Massaquoi and Deputy for Operations Mr. Roosevelt K. Forh stemmed partly from repeated conflicts over financial oversight. Hon. Sanor reportedly insisted that all decisions be properly documented, which previous administrators considered an impediment to “business as usual.”
“These allegations are retaliation against Acting DG Sanor’s decision to commission a comprehensive audit of the BSE,” the statement said. “Those resisting accountability are seeking to tarnish his reputation and undermine the reform process.”
Addressing the LACC claims directly, the BSE revealed that on August 27, 2025, the Commission wrote to Sanor, requesting that he make available 22 individuals — including Deputy DG Forh — to clarify allegations of corruption.
Far from implicating the Acting DG, the BSE said the LACC commended Sanor for his continued fight against corruption and efforts to uphold institutional integrity.
The Bureau stressed that all contract cancellations were carried out before Hon. Sanor assumed the Acting DG role and was signed by then-DG Massaquoi. Similarly, Personal Action Notices (PANs) were processed under the former administration without Sanor’s knowledge or approval were later returned by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for proper processing — a delay the Bureau attributes to the former DG’s office.
The Bureau labeled the claim that Hon. Sanor funneled US$2,100 to a relative as “a gross distortion.” It explained that Hon. Sanor initially rented a vehicle for four days with his personal funds (US$400) when his own vehicle broke down, a reimbursement he is still owed.
Later, as Acting DG, he followed all Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) procedures by instructing the Director of Procurement to secure three competitive quotations for a 14-day rental. The process, the Bureau maintained, was transparent and fully compliant with procurement regulations.
The BSE confirmed that Everest Consultancy Firm was hired following a senior management decision to strengthen institutional capacity. It clarified that Ms. Jandy Gray serves as the firm’s General Manager and denied rumors that former DG Hon. Jamoil Cummings is involved.
“The Bureau of State Enterprises, under the leadership of Acting DG Hon. Varlee F. Sanor, remains fully committed to the President’s ARREST Agenda and to building a culture of transparency, accountability, and professionalism,” the statement emphasized.
The BSE expressed confidence that the ongoing LACC investigation — which it says was requested by Hon. Sanor himself — will clear the air and put an end to misinformation.
“Our focus remains on transforming the BSE into a viable, dependable, and trustworthy institution that delivers results for the Liberian people,” the statement concluded.
