MONROVIA, Liberia — In a determined push against corruption, Liberia’s Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force has launched investigations into 17 cases of misappropriated government resources, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability and transparency in the Country.
Counselor Edwin Kla Martin, chairman of the Task Force, emphasized the group’s adherence to legal procedures, dispelling concerns that the effort is politically motivated. “We want to assure the Liberian people that we are acting in conformity with the law,” he stated in a live interview on ELBC Radio. “Our focus is on identifying, tracing, and recovering assets that were unlawfully taken, while ensuring that those involved are given due process.”
The Task Force was reestablished under Executive Order 145 by President Joseph N. Boakai, granting it broad authority to scrutinize fraudulent corporate entities, shell companies, and illicit financial transactions that drained government coffers. Martin detailed how some officials, along with local and foreign business associates, allegedly funneled public funds through fictitious companies, fraudulent contracts, and undelivered government supplies.
To enhance investigative efforts, the Task Force has enlisted forensic experts Andrew Durant and Wayne Anthony from FTI Consulting, the world’s largest forensic accounting firm. Their expertise in asset recovery, international investigations, and financial forensics is expected to play a crucial role in tracing and repatriating stolen assets.
“We look forward to continuing conversations of Assets Recovery over the course of the next two weeks and working out a plan on how we can assist not only domestically in the investigation using our experience,” Durant said. But I think more importantly is how we can assist the Liberian government in its international efforts to recover funds and repatriate that to the country for the benefit of the people.”
Anthony echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of conducting investigations in line with international standards. “Our role is to assist the Task Force in ensuring that the investigations are conducted thoroughly and fairly. Our goal is to help Liberia reclaim what rightfully belongs to its people.”
Despite the complexity of asset recovery, the Task Force remains resolute. More than 20 individuals have already been summoned for questioning, with additional inquiries expected as investigators build their cases. Martin urged the Liberian people to trust the process. “Our investigations are meticulous, and we will not rush to conclusions without solid evidence,” he said.
Beyond financial assets, the Task Force is scrutinizing real estate and other properties suspected of being acquired through illicit means. Officials will be assessed based on their earnings and asset ownership to detect discrepancies. “If your salary over the past six years does not justify the value of your assets, we will ask you to explain where the additional funds came from,” Martin warned.
With unwavering government backing and international collaboration, the Task Force aims to deliver tangible results. “The president has given us the political will to act, and we will see this through to the end,” Martin declared. “Liberia deserves justice, and we are committed to making that happen.”
As investigations unfold, the Liberian public is urged to remain patient and hopeful. The Asset Recovery Task Force is working tirelessly to ensure that stolen government assets are reclaimed and redirected for the benefit of all Liberians.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
