MONROVIA – An investigation by Verity Online News has uncovered a 13-page leaked report and a series of audio recordings that allegedly implicate the Chairman of the Office of the Ombudsman, Cllr. Findley Y. Karngar, in a kickback scheme involving a subordinate. The findings, compiled by an Independent Investigative Panel, accuse the Ombudsman boss of ethical misconduct, including soliciting portions of an employee’s salary as a condition for continued employment.
According to Verity Online News, the panel concluded that between April and July 2025, Cllr. Karngar allegedly instructed his Special Assistant, Mr. Francis K. D. Cooper, to remit US$500 from his monthly salary and provide an additional US$30 to US$35 for phone scratch cards. The report asserts that these payments were directly tied to the complainant’s job security.
“In essence, the investigation uncovered that the actual reason behind the dismissal was Mr. Cooper’s refusal to continue the illicit monetary payments,” the report states, as quoted by Verity Online News. The panel determined that the termination, which occurred on October 31, 2025, did not comply with Civil Service Standing Orders.
The complaint filed by Cooper centered on two major claims. First, that accusations of poor performance, incompetence, and dishonesty were merely a pretext for dismissal. Second, that the Chairman allegedly used his office to demand a share of his salary under the guise of maintaining what was described as “harmonious employment.”
Investigators reportedly reviewed extensive evidence, including covert audio recordings, WhatsApp exchanges, mobile money transaction logs, and internal correspondence. The leaked audios allegedly referenced monthly transfers described as “the small portion of the money,” alongside requests for scratch cards. Financial records reportedly traced payments to a number linked to the Chairman over a four-month period.
Seven staff members were invited to testify before the panel, with six appearing under oath, including the Human Resources Director and senior executives. The HR Director testified that she refused an instruction to dismiss Cooper because it violated established Civil Service procedures. She further stated that Cooper had successfully completed probation and had no adverse performance evaluation on record.
The panel described the testimonies as largely consistent and free of ulterior motive. It also noted that once Cooper disclosed the alleged arrangement, he was advised to stop making payments. Colleagues testified that during the relevant period, Cooper’s spending habits changed noticeably, raising concerns among staff who found his financial distress inconsistent with his official salary.
In his written response dated November 10, 2025, Cllr. Karngar reportedly did not directly address the substance of the allegations. Instead, he raised procedural objections and challenged the authority of fellow Commissioners to investigate him. The panel observed that he “neither denied nor confirmed the specific allegations of soliciting payments,” concluding that his stance weakened his credibility and appeared to be an attempt to sidestep scrutiny.
The report also cited the Chairman’s Administrative Assistant, Ms. Angeline Y. McGill, as allegedly acting as an intermediary in certain transactions. According to the panel, she did not appear before investigators but instead initiated legal action at the Civil Law Court for Montserrado County against two Commissioners, a move characterized as an effort to delay proceedings.
After three weeks of inquiry, the panel described the body of evidence as “overwhelming.” It recommended the immediate dismissal of Cllr. Karngar for gross misconduct under Liberia’s Code of Conduct, referral to the Ministry of Justice for potential criminal investigation into alleged extortion and bribery, restitution of funds with interest, and disciplinary action against Ms. McGill. “This conduct is anathema to the very purpose of the Ombudsman,” the report concluded, warning that failure to act would amount to a serious breakdown in Liberia’s ethical governance system.
Sources confirmed to Verity Online News that the report was submitted to the Office of the President on February 12, 2026. However, senior government insiders claimed the document has yet to reach the President personally, alleging that influential figures within the Executive Mansion may have stalled its transmission. As of publication, there has been no official statement from the Presidency or from Cllr. Karngar responding to the latest revelations, despite inquiries. The unfolding controversy now casts a long shadow over the very institution tasked with enforcing accountability, raising urgent questions about integrity at the highest levels of Liberia’s anti-corruption framework.
