By Amos Harris
MONROVIA – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating corruption and reclaiming stolen public assets. During a comprehensive update on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Taskforce detailed current indictments, ongoing court proceedings, and its strategic priorities for the New Year.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin stated that the Taskforce remains resolute in executing its mandate under Executive Order No. 145. He emphasized that the rule of law, due process, and institutional independence strictly guide all operations. While acknowledging that 2025 presented significant challenges, Cllr. Martin noted that the Taskforce made meaningful progress in investigating suspicious asset accumulation and economic crimes. He extended gratitude to the Liberian public, the media, and international partners for their continued support.
To bolster its technical and legal capabilities, Cllr. Martin disclosed that AREPT has established working relationships with several prominent United Kingdom-based firms, including Grant Thornton, Omnia Strategy LLP, FTI Consulting, and Blake Morgan. These firms are providing specialized support for asset recovery litigation on behalf of the Republic of Liberia.
Highlighting legal developments, the Chairman noted a significant move at the Supreme Court of Liberia, where a nine-month stay order stemming from a 2024 petition by Gracious Ride was lifted. This decision has allowed related legal proceedings to move forward. Cllr. Martin further revealed that AREPT concluded investigations and unsealed three major indictments in 2025, while maintaining forty active cases involving the alleged theft of public property.
The unsealed indictments include the “Saudi Rice Case,” which involves the alleged mismanagement of $500,000 worth of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Another major case involves the Anita Group of Companies and Gracious Ride, centered on allegations of money laundering and the concealment of more than $6.7 million and L$845 million in public funds. Additionally, the Taskforce is pursuing the MDMC and Ministry of Foreign Affairs contract case, which involves the alleged misappropriation of $851,136.13 from a $1.95 million renovation contract.1
While all indictments have been served and are pending trial, Cllr. Martin noted that progress was temporarily hindered by a stay order issued in November 2025 by Supreme Court Justice in Chambers, Her Honour Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie. The order followed a petition filed by Madam Thelma Duncan Sawyer, a defendant named in all three indictments. However, an assignment has since been issued for the hearing of the MDMC/Ministry of Foreign Affairs case.
Addressing the status of the accused, the Chairman confirmed that while most indicted individuals have been served with arrest writs, two suspects—Pamela Anita Jallah, CEO of the Anita Group of Companies, and Nora Finda Bundoo, former Chief of Protocol—remain at large. He assured the public that lawful measures are active to secure their arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Cllr. Martin also addressed a recent ethical breach involving MDMC. Despite being under indictment, the company reportedly submitted a “Christmas parcel” to the Taskforce. Cllr. Martin confirmed the parcel was immediately returned and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the MDMC Chief Executive Officer to explain the intent behind the gesture. He warned that AREPT does not accept gifts from indicted parties and cautioned that any repeat of such conduct would trigger immediate criminal investigation.2
Looking ahead to 2026, the Taskforce plans to intensify investigations into its forty ongoing cases, advance current prosecutions, and work toward unsealing additional indictments. The agenda also includes expanding nationwide anti-corruption awareness and public education initiatives. Cllr. Martin concluded by thanking Liberians for their intelligence sharing and encouraged continued reporting of economic crimes, promising that all investigations will remain impartial and evidence-based.
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