Monrovia, Liberia – February 20, 2024 – Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, Chairman of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT), announced intensified efforts to recover stolen Liberian assets traced to Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Dubai. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s press briefing, Cllr. Martin provided an update on AREPT’s progress over the past eleven months.
He emphasized that Liberia’s global reputation is being restored due to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s strong anti-corruption stance. AREPT, established under Executive Order #126, is mandated to trace, identify, and recover stolen assets both domestically and internationally. Its powers include initiating criminal prosecutions, imposing travel restrictions, and collaborating with international agencies like Interpol for extradition.
Cllr. Martin highlighted a key legal victory: the Supreme Court ruled in AREPT’s favor against Gracious Ride and Anita Group, who had challenged the legitimacy of Executive Order #126. “AREPT’s legal team successfully defended the constitutional authority of the task force in all eight legal challenges,” he stated.
With legal hurdles cleared, AREPT has ramped up investigations, identifying 17 high-profile cases involving fraudulent road construction contracts, illegal fund transfers, and government vehicles smuggled across borders. “During the Supreme Court stay order, individuals under investigation engaged in criminal acts, such as transferring suspicious funds, altering bank accounts, illegally selling government vehicles, and falsifying ownership documents,” Martin revealed.
AREPT has uncovered substantial stolen assets in foreign banks and investments in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Dubai. “We are working tirelessly with our partners to ensure that international legal protocols are followed to recover these stolen resources and return them to Liberia,” Martin said.
The task force has partnered with organizations in the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria. “One of our UK partners will be in Liberia next month to review our evidence and provide technical support,” he announced.
AREPT called on government officials and individuals of interest to cooperate with investigations, warning that non-compliance will result in charges, indictments, and prosecutions. The public is urged to report suspicious properties, government assets, and questionable acquisitions. “We assure the public that all whistleblowers’ identities will be protected,” Martin emphasized.
“Liberia has suffered for too long due to corruption,” Martin declared. “This is the time for all of us to rise up and reclaim our country’s stolen resources. No more impunity. No more business as usual. Together, we will ensure that stolen assets are recovered and reinvested in the development of our nation.” AREPT’s renewed efforts signal a firm stance against corruption, reinforcing its mission to uphold transparency and accountability in Liberia.
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