MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has disclosed that it has seized 17 major cases linked to stolen assets, money laundering, and illicit property acquisitions. The announcement comes on the heels of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court that upheld the legal foundation of AREPT’s operations. Following the Court’s decision, the task force is intensifying its efforts to recover assets looted from the government, urging the public to assist in identifying additional stolen resources.
In a press release dated February 18, 2025, AREPT revealed its immediate plans to resume operations after a prolonged hiatus caused by a nine-month court-imposed suspension. The suspension followed a petition filed by Gracious Ride, but the Supreme Court’s recent ruling dismissed the petition, reaffirming the legality of Executive Order No. 126, which created the task force. With its legal standing restored, AREPT is now mobilizing to investigate thefts of government resources and to recover properties linked to money laundering schemes.
AREPT has made it clear that its primary goal is to restore public trust by recovering stolen government resources, which have been illicitly acquired by both public figures and private entities. The assets under investigation include real estate, vehicles, and large sums of money, which have been linked to money laundering activities. The task force emphasized that every recovered asset will contribute to greater transparency and better governance, with the aim of ensuring that public resources benefit all citizens.
The task force also announced that its investigations will focus on both current and former public officials as well as private sector entities that may have been complicit in the theft. AREPT vowed to follow the law in its pursuit of justice, making it clear that any individuals who fail to cooperate with the investigation could face formal charges and criminal prosecution. In addition to these high-profile investigations, AREPT called on the public to report any suspicious assets or properties that may have been wrongfully obtained or transferred.
Specific attention is being given to properties such as government-owned vehicles, earth-moving equipment, motorbikes, and other assets that could have been illegally diverted or transferred. The task force assured the public that any tips received would be handled confidentially, with the identities of informants protected.
AREPT also expressed concern over the activities that may have taken place during its nine-month suspension. The task force warned that some individuals might have moved stolen assets out of the country, either by transferring funds to foreign accounts or falsifying property titles to conceal the illicit nature of the resources. However, AREPT’s intelligence division has been actively monitoring such activities, and several individuals involved in these schemes have already been identified and apprehended.
In its statement, AREPT underscored the critical role that public participation will play in recovering stolen assets and combating corruption. The task force highlighted how widespread corruption and the theft of public resources have hindered Liberia’s economic progress and development. As such, it called upon citizens and the media to become active participants in this national effort to restore accountability and promote growth.
AREPT concluded its statement by reminding the public that it will take swift legal action against anyone involved in the illicit acquisition of government resources. The task force reassured citizens that all investigations will be conducted according to due process, and that it would spare no effort in ensuring that justice prevails. It also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity or stolen assets through the established channels, noting that the success of the task force’s work depends heavily on community involvement.
