MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Assets Recovery & Property Retrieval Core Team has intensified its efforts to track down and reclaim government resources allegedly stolen by former officials. Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin disclosed that substantial financial transfers were made to foreign banks during a prolonged legal dispute, an attempt by those implicated to evade accountability.
During a press conference at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Cllr. Martin detailed how officials embroiled in the dispute with Gracious Ride funneled large sums to banks in the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. He asserted that these transactions are just one aspect of a broader probe targeting individuals linked to embezzlement, fraudulent documentation, and misappropriation of state property.
The legal battle, which spanned nine months, saw attempts to derail the work of the recovery team. However, Cllr. Martin stressed that despite facing numerous challenges, the task force has secured a decisive legal victory. He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to retrieving assets, including cash, vehicles, and properties unlawfully acquired through corrupt means.
Authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious properties or funds linked to past officials, with assurances that all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The team has already identified numerous cases tied to money laundering, illicit wealth accumulation, and government asset misappropriation.
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the task force, the team is now ramping up its investigations. The verdict upheld the framework under which the Asset Recovery Team operates, clearing the way for renewed operations after months of legal hurdles. The focus remains on ensuring accountability and recovering stolen wealth.
The scale of the task ahead is vast, with numerous properties and financial transactions now under scrutiny. Officials have warned that individuals who refuse to cooperate may face legal consequences, as the recovery process gains momentum. The initiative extends beyond former officials, targeting private entities and business associates suspected of facilitating illicit financial flows.
The team has also highlighted cases where individuals attempted to smuggle assets out of the country while the investigation was stalled. Intelligence efforts have been ramped up to track these movements, and several individuals have already been identified for further action.
Public participation is being encouraged, with authorities emphasizing that corruption and theft of state resources have significantly hindered national progress. Citizens are being called upon to support the initiative by providing credible information that could aid in reclaiming stolen government wealth.
With the fight against corruption gaining traction, the recovery team has assured that every effort will be made to hold those responsible accountable. Investigations will be carried out with due process, and all recovered assets will be directed towards strengthening national development. The message is clear: Liberia will not tolerate the theft of public funds, and those found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
