MONROVIA – The First Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County has formally indicted several senior officials of the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE) on multiple criminal charges, marking a major escalation in Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts. The indictments were handed down on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a grand jury finding of probable cause that the accused engaged in serious financial crimes involving public resources.
The case, being prosecuted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), centers on allegations of economic sabotage, theft, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors contend that the defendants abused their positions of authority to divert public funds for unauthorized purposes, undermining the financial integrity of a key government institution.
Those indicted include former BSE Director General Hon. Arthur Massaquoi; Comptroller Mr. Matthew F. Kotio; Ms. Kathinal Mitchell; Hon. Varlee F. Sanor; Mr. Isaac C. Kporkulah; Ms. Jessephen Yah Dahn; and Mr. Mohammed V. Fofana. According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in coordinated schemes that resulted in significant financial losses to the state.
The indictment alleges that Hon. Massaquoi and Mr. Kotio authorized payments exceeding USD 71,000 and LRD 3.8 million to staff members and contractors without verifiable justification or evidence that the services were performed. Prosecutors argue that these transactions lacked proper documentation and violated established public financial management procedures.
In addition to those payments, investigators claim that funds intended for legitimate vendors were diverted to staff and other individuals. These diversions allegedly amounted to USD 168,961 and LRD 8.4 million, raising further concerns about systemic abuse and internal collusion within the Bureau of State Enterprises.
The indictment also details questionable procurement practices involving a company identified as Benefit Trading International. Court records state that BSE officials allegedly pre-selected the company to supply stationery and cleaning materials before the official bid evaluation process had concluded, compromising transparency and competitive bidding requirements.
Invoices reportedly issued under these arrangements are described in the indictment as suspicious, with prosecutors asserting that the procurement process was manipulated to favor specific interests for personal financial gain. These actions, the LACC argues, violated procurement laws and facilitated the misuse of public funds.
The charges outlined include economic sabotage through fraud on Liberia’s internal revenue and illegal disbursement of public money, theft and misapplication of public property, and criminal conspiracy aimed at facilitating unlawful financial activities within the BSE.
In returning the indictment, the grand jury concluded that the defendants acted with criminal intent and in ways that contravened the laws of the Republic of Liberia. The court noted that the alleged conduct not only resulted in financial losses but also posed a threat to public trust and the integrity of state institutions.
The case now moves to the trial phase, where the accused are expected to answer to the charges. As proceedings unfold, the indictment stands as one of the most significant corruption cases involving the Bureau of State Enterprises, underscoring the growing legal scrutiny facing public officials accused of abusing public office.
