IPNEWS: The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) of Liberia says it has secured indictments in several corruption investigations, most notably the theft and diversion of Saudi Arabia’s donated rice and another recent case involving the alleged misuse of funds in an unspecified second investigation.
The chairman of the Taskforce, Cllr. Edward Kla Martin, addressing a major Press conference in Monrovia Friday, stated that several former officials will shortly be indicted for their roles in the Saudi Rice Donation Scandal.
It may be recalled, in early June 2025, AREPT announced major indictments against 15 former and current government officials in connection with the disappearance and sale of 29,412 bags of rice, valued at over US$425,928, donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2023 for disaster victims.
Individuals indicted include former Ministers Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah (Foreign Affairs), Mary Broh (GSA), Varney A. Sirleaf (Internal Affairs), and Henry O. Williams (NDMA), along with Thelma E. Sawyer (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs/Administration) and other NDMA employees. Those indicted were sent to Monrovia Central Prison and face travel restrictions.
The former General Services Agency (GSA) Director, former National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Executive Director, and former Foreign Minister, respectively, were arrested and sent to Monrovia Central Prison in June 2025. They are accused of conspiring to misuse 29,412 bags of rice, valued at over US$425,000, which was donated by Saudi Arabia for disaster victims.
Hon. Nyenati Tuan, Jefferson Karmol, and Emmanuel Nimely, former Solicitor General, former National Security Advisor, and former Religious Advisor were arrested and detained on charges of economic sabotage, misuse of public money, and theft of property, while former Finance and Development Minister Samuel Tweah Jr., Stanley Ford, and Moses Cooper, were issued Writs of arrest in connection with the alleged theft of over $5 million USD. Only Tuan and Cooper were initially arrested, while the others remained at large as of the reports.
Former Deputy Minister for Administration and former Chief of Protocol have been named for arrest in connection with alleged money laundering and other financial crimes. Madam Thalma Sawyer, Was arrested early this week in connection with money laundering allegations following an indictment by the Taskforce.
The Taskforce has indicated it is investigating a total of approximately 28 corruption cases, with 17 cases nearing court proceedings.
The indictments target officials from the previous George Weah administration and are part of the current President Joseph Boakai’s major anti-corruption drive.
The government has also imposed travel restrictions (a ne exeat republica) on the accused to prevent them from fleeing the country during prosecution.
Another Second Indictment according to Cllr. Martin is expected to be instituted shortly, bringing the total to three completed investigations. Details on the second case were not specified, but it also involves alleged misuse of public funds. AREPT, created by President Joseph Boakai to fight corruption, is actively investigating 28 cases, with 17 close to court action. They are also investigating 30 potentially suspicious assets and collaborating with international experts from FTI Consulting to track stolen assets in Liberia and abroad.
in a related development, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). has formally indicted former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundo, her daughter Anita Jallah, and others in a staggering $6 million and over 800 million Liberian Dollars scandal., according to the Spoon Network.
According to the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) the indictement is part of the second indictment talked about earlier Friday., following months of intensive investigations into suspected corruption, money laundering, and the misuse of public resources. Speaking to the press at the Taskforce’s Headquarters in Paynesville,
AREPT Chairman, Cllr. Edward Kla Martin, delivered a stern message emphasizing Liberia’s renewed resolve to combat public corruption and hold all violators accountable, regardless of status or influence.
> “What we share today is not just another update; it is a statement of Liberia’s resolve to hold accountable anyone who abuses public trust,” Cllr. Martin stated.
INVESTIGATIONS AND FINDINGS
According to the Taskforce, the indictments stem from two major investigations:
1. The Gracious Ride / Anita Group Financial Crimes & Money Laundering Case
2. The MDMC – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Contract Fraud Case
BUNDOO & GRACIOUS RIDE: MONEY LAUNDERING AND ABUSE OF OFFICE
Cllr. Martin revealed that the Taskforce began probing suspicious transactions and asset acquisitions linked to the Anita Group of Companies/Gracious Ride in March 2024. This inquiry uncovered a dramatic and unexplained expansion of wealth associated with former Chief of Protocol, Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, during her time in public office.
Key Financial Findings (2020–2023):
Over US$6.7 million and L$845 million traced through company and personal accounts.
Multiple real estate purchases, including:
A Brewerville property valued at US$73,000
A Marshall Road estate with 12 housing units, purchased for US$137,000
A Rehab Community property valued at US$120,000
Acquisition of 42 Suzuki vehicles from GBK Motors totaling US$424,000
The investigation concluded that these properties and transactions were inconsistent with Bundoo’s known income prior to entering public office. AREPT determined that the companies were used as fronts to move public funds.
As a result, Bundoo, Anita Group CEO Pamela Anita Jallah, General Manager Francis B. Blamo, Masarco Auto CEO Saah F. Johnson, and 40 others have been indicted on charges including:
Money Laundering
Economic Sabotage
Theft of Property
Misuse of Public Funds
Forgery
Criminal Conspiracy
Violations of PPCA and PFM Acts
MDMC & FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONTRACT FRAUD
The second case centers on a renovation contract between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MDMC Express Incorporated, signed on September 12, 2023, under the authority of then Deputy Minister for Administration, Thelma Duncan Sawyer.
The Government paid MDMC US$1,949,999.72, representing full payment of the contract. However, an independent architectural appraisal revealed that only 56.35% of the work was completed.
Cost Breakdown:
Completed work: US$1,098,863.58
Uncompleted work (already paid for): US$851,136.13
Cllr. Martin explained that this project was financed through a US$2.5 million donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, intended to improve multiple floors of the Ministry and aid disaster victims.
Those indicted in this case include:
Thelma Duncan Sawyer
MDMC CEO John S. Youboty
Project Manager Joseph C. Goodridge
Other MDMC officials
They are charged with:
Theft of Property
Criminal Facilitation
AREPT has further recommended that the Government terminate all current and pending contracts with MDMC.
A BROADER WAR ON CORRUPTION
The Chairman emphasized that these are only the 2nd and 3rd indictments out of over 40 ongoing investigations. In June, AREPT indicted 15 officials over the theft of Saudi-donated rice intended for disaster victims.
> “These investigations demonstrate that no public official or private citizen is beyond accountability,” Cllr. Martin noted.
A MESSAGE TO LIBERIANS
Cllr. Martin urged citizens to remain patient, emphasizing that justice takes time but must be rooted in due process.
> “Those who misuse public resources will face the full weight of the law. And to those who still believe they are untouchable — the law will find you.”
He concluded with a call for unity and vigilance as Liberia enters a new era of financial transparency and public accountability.
