By Darius N. Karnga
Paynesville, Liberia – The President of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), Elizabeth Sambulah, and former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawine G. Diggs, are among seven individuals indicted in connection with a major corruption scandal involving funds intended to support rural women and small businesses.
The indictments were announced by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) following an extensive investigation into the alleged diversion of more than US$1.8 million from the Rural Women Empowerment Fund, a program administered under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Also named in the indictment are Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller at the ministry Joseph Yado Howe, former Senior Policy Advisor; Kebeh Monger, President of the National Rural Women Structure of Liberia Josephine Handful Greens, former Secretary General of the same institution; and Kemmoh Borbor, a cashier at the ministry.
According to AREPT, Criminal Court “C” has issued its fourth indictment, charging the defendants with theft of property, economic sabotage through the misuse of public funds, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.
“The case stems from a 2023 budget allocation of US$2 million by the Government of Liberia for the Vulnerable Small Business Support Program. The initiative was designed to empower rural women, farmers, marketers, and small enterprises nationwide.” He said.
“Investigators revealed that US$1,819,469.43 was disbursed and deposited into accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia under the control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.”
However, authorities allege that a significant portion of these funds was diverted from its intended purpose and misused for personal benefit, depriving intended beneficiaries.
Addressing concerns over the delay in recent indictments, AREPT stated that the lack of public updates since November 2025 reflects a deliberate effort to build strong, evidence based cases rather than act prematurely.
The task force emphasized that its work is independent and not politically motivated, stressing that all actions are grounded in credible and verifiable evidence, not a “witch-hunt.”
AREPT further noted that all defendants were afforded due process, including the right to legal representation and participation during the investigation, in line with Liberia’s constitutional standards.
Meanwhile, the task force disclosed that several additional corruption and asset recovery cases remain under active investigation, including efforts to trace and recover government assets that may have been transferred abroad.
AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to recovering misappropriated public funds and ensuring that all those responsible are held fully accountable.
