MONROVIA – Candy Group International (CGI), an international firm is accusing a Liberian registered gold mining company of refusing to account for 2 million euros.
Candy is also accusing GTBank of not acting sincerely on the money wired to HAMAK’s account at GTBank Liberia. Candy also notes that the Central Bank of Liberia through its Governor J. Aloysius Tarlue, Jr. may have conspired with the Liberian firm to wrongfully take its money by suggesting the 2 million euros wired to HAMAK, did not reach Liberia.
Even though sources say a complaint filed with the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Aloysius Tarlue by lawyers representing CGI, was never responded to, it seems the CBL Governor allegedly tried to confuse and cover up the case.
J. Aloysius Tarlue, Jr., Executive Governor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Central Bank of Liberia
Investigation revealed that Candy Group International (CGI) had signed a contract with HAMAK MINING COMPANY in the Abidjan offices of one Mr. Ousmane Bamba, who claimed to be an advisor to Mr. George Weah, President of Weah.
The contract was intended to make CGI invest in Liberia in a mining concession claimed to belong to HAMAK MINING COMPANY. The contract was intended to operate the gold mines on a joint venture basis.
CGI was represented at the signing by its subsidiary IFG TCHAD, pending the incorporation of the company’s local entity in Monrovia, Liberia.
According to CGI, the main motivation, in addition to the opportunity of investing in the Liberian mining sector was assurances from Mr. Ousemane Bamba that President Weah would personally protect its investment since the owner of Hamak was introduced to them as the Liberian President’s junior brother.
Top sources at CGI told Smart News Liberia that Mr. Ousmane Bamba, the purported advisor to President Weah had assured them that the President would secure their investment in HAMAK.
The sources also alleged that a Liberian-based bank, GTBank was presented to them by HAMAK as independently managing its international financial transactions.
March 10, 2020:
According to documents obtained by Smart News Liberia, days after signing the agreement with HAMAK, the investors made a transfer of € 2 million to the Account of HamaK at GTBank via Barclays Bank UK.
Since that time, CGI lawyers in Monrovia say GTBank, nor HamaK Mining Company has not been able to confirm whether they received the funds; and even worst is that the Central Bank of Liberia through its Governor has since refused to respond to their complaint against GTBank and HamaK or launch an investigation in to issue.
GTBank Liberia is being accused of not acting sincerely on the matter, as it allegedly did not provide proper documentation and details regarding the money wired to HAMAK’s account. This has led to suspicions that the bank may have colluded with HAMAK in the alleged scam.
The involvement of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and its Governor, Aloysius Tarlue, has also been called into question, with allegations that they may have conspired with HAMAK to wrongfully take the 2 million euros. The complaint filed by CGI’s lawyers with the CBL Governor was reportedly ignored, leading to suspicions of a cover-up.
It is important to note that these are allegations and have not been proven in a court of law. However, if the allegations are found to be true, it would be a serious case of fraud and collusion involving multiple parties. Investigation continues.
