Twenty-two people have been indicted by a Montserrado County Grand Jury for their alleged involvement in a human trafficking and migration fraud scheme that prosecutors say targeted dozens of Liberians with promises of travel and employment opportunities in Canada.
The indictment, returned during the May Term of the First Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County, charges the defendants with Trafficking in Persons, Theft of Property, and Criminal Conspiracy following an investigation by Liberia National Police.
According to court records, prosecutors allege that the accused recruited vulnerable young Liberians from several counties by promising assistance with travel, employment, and educational opportunities abroad. Instead, authorities say the victims were brought to Monrovia, where some were allegedly confined, denied freedom of movement, and pressured to provide additional money.
The indictment identifies 57 alleged victims—22 women and 35 men between the ages of 18 and 36. Prosecutors say the victims collectively paid about US$124,921 after being led to believe they were participating in a legitimate migration program to Canada.
Court documents allege that many of the victims sold personal belongings, borrowed money, or relied on family savings to pay what they believed were processing and travel fees. Investigators contend that after the payments were made, the victims were housed at facilities in the Gbangba Town area along the Roberts International Airport Highway instead of being prepared for international travel.
Prosecutors further allege that some victims had their phones, travel documents, and other personal belongings confiscated while being held at the facilities. Witness statements cited in the indictment claim that those housed there were encouraged to contact relatives and friends to solicit additional funds.
The case also includes serious allegations of sexual abuse involving several female complainants. According to the indictment, some women reported being sexually assaulted at locations connected to the operation. Medical reports and witness statements were reportedly collected during the investigation and are expected to form part of the prosecution’s evidence.
Among those named in the indictment are Bill Plato, Woe Zekarso Garteh, Preston Godfred, Maxson Wonlebaye, Jerome Gensen, Luther Flomo, Alexander Plato, Maddhianline Tompia, Shalley Jonny, Blessing Favor Suah, Stanley Wonlebaye, and others.
Prosecutors allege that members of the group worked together to recruit prospective travelers, collect payments, arrange transportation, and manage various aspects of the operation. Authorities claim the scheme was organized, with different individuals assigned specific roles.
The case has attracted public attention amid growing concerns over migration-related scams targeting young Liberians seeking opportunities abroad. Human rights advocates and law enforcement authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to verify overseas employment and travel programs before making any payments.
The matter is expected to proceed before Criminal Court “C” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, with trial proceedings scheduled to begin Monday.
Under Liberian law, an indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
If convicted, the accused could face substantial penalties under Liberia’s anti-human trafficking laws and other applicable criminal statutes. Prosecutors are expected to rely on witness testimony, documentary evidence, financial records, and investigative findings as the case moves to trial.
