By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – A 12-member jury at Criminal Court “A” has convicted eight defendants in one of Liberia’s largest human trafficking prosecutions, finding them guilty on every count in a case involving an alleged Canada visa scam that authorities say preyed on dozens of unsuspecting Liberians.
Those convicted include Daniel David, Preston Y. Logan, Boimah Saweah, Johnny Dahn, Shirley Suah, Bill Dorkor, Jerome Genseh, along with another co-defendant. The verdict followed months of courtroom proceedings, witness testimony, and legal arguments before the Temple of Justice.
After hearing closing submissions from both the prosecution and defense, the jury retired to deliberate and returned a unanimous guilty verdict in approximately 20 minutes, bringing the closely watched trial to a decisive end.
The defendants were found guilty of trafficking in persons, theft of property, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal facilitation.
According to prosecutors, the convicted individuals operated a fraudulent scheme that targeted residents of Nimba County, enticing them with promises of employment and relocation opportunities in Canada. Believing the offers were genuine, victims reportedly paid a combined US$100,000 in processing fees and other expenses.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that instead of being assisted with travel to Canada, many of the victims were transported to Montserrado County, where they were introduced to an online marketing operation rather than receiving the overseas employment they had been promised.
Prosecutors further alleged that the operation victimized 57 people, many of whom were reportedly confined for months at a compound near Gbankpa Town. During the trial, evidence indicated that victims were subjected to harsh conditions, including starvation, physical abuse, sexual violence, and intimidation. They were also allegedly forced to contact relatives and solicit additional money, which investigators said benefited members of the trafficking network.
The case originated in 2025 after several victims filed complaints with the Liberia National Police’s Trafficking in Persons Section, prompting a criminal investigation. Following preliminary proceedings before the Paynesville Magisterial Court and additional police inquiries, the matter was transferred to Criminal Court “A” because human trafficking is prosecuted as a felony under Liberian law.
Throughout the trial, state prosecutors relied on witness testimony and documentary evidence to establish the existence of the alleged trafficking operation. Defense lawyers, however, denied the allegations, challenged the prosecution’s evidence, and maintained that the accused were not guilty of the offenses charged.
The prosecution’s successful case comes despite earlier reports that the proceedings had faced significant obstacles. Previous reporting by New Narratives alleged that attempts to bribe individuals connected to the case threatened to derail the prosecution and potentially secure the defendants’ release before the matter reached trial. Nevertheless, the proceedings continued, culminating in unanimous guilty verdicts against all eight defendants.
The convictions mark a major victory for Liberia’s justice system in its campaign against human trafficking and organized fraud. The case is expected to serve as a landmark precedent for future prosecutions involving the exploitation of vulnerable people through fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
With the jury having delivered its verdict, Criminal Court “A” is now expected to set a date for sentencing, when the convicted defendants will learn the penalties they face under Liberia’s criminal and anti-human trafficking laws.
