By Korhai (Pen Name)
A Verity News investigation has uncovered a series of WhatsApp messages that allegedly link Stephene Kpoto to a money-laundering deal involving as much as US$30 million.
The messages, reviewed by Verity News, reportedly show Kpoto communicating with an associate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, about large sums of money and the movement of a shipment.
In the exchanges, Kpoto is identified as “Stephene Kpoto” and “Dubai Boss.”
One message attributed to her reads: “Tell him we want up to US$30 million @500. Please inform him and let me know.”
Another message says: “Just got the balance cash..going to send now.”
The conversation also discusses the timing of the payment and shipment.
“This is Liberia it takes days to get big sums so he should understand. Please make sure he signs the agreement to ship them and it gets here before you hand the cash,” the message says.
In another exchange, the sender appears to discuss paying part of the money immediately and settling the balance after the shipment arrives.
“You pay some money today and we start the process tomorrow,” the message says. “We will pay the sum to make the money 33,000 as promised today. He signs the agreement that when we receive the shipment on the 16th we give his balance and he sends the original documents.”
The messages are part of a wider set of allegations surrounding Kpoto, who has been accused of links to international drug trafficking and money laundering.
The investigation also raises questions about her reported relationship with former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman.
According to the report, Kpoto previously served as Executive Director of the Jewel StarFish Foundation and had contact with several people accused of involvement in international drug trafficking.
The report alleges that some of those contacts extended to Dubai, where Kpoto is said to have conducted financial dealings.
Diplomatic Passport Questions
The investigation also questions how Kpoto obtained a Liberian diplomatic passport.
Documents cited in the report indicate that the passport was issued on May 19, 2023, and expired on May 19, 2025. Verity News was informed that the passport was later renewed, although the report does not independently establish that claim.
The report questions whether Kpoto qualified for a diplomatic passport and calls for an explanation from the officials involved in its issuance.
It also raises questions about her reported position as a “Climate Change Advisor” to former Vice President Taylor.
The investigation questions the legal basis for the position and the qualifications associated with it.
Links to Drug Investigation
Kpoto’s name has surfaced amid Liberia’s continuing investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and allegations of a wider international network.
The report also identifies Kpoto’s uncle, Joe Kpoto, as having been imprisoned in Japan in connection with transnational criminal activity.
Verity News, however, has not established through a court judgment that Stephene Kpoto committed the crimes alleged in the report.
The claims involving Kpoto, as well as the other individuals named, remain allegations unless proven in court.
Calls for Independent Probe
The investigation is calling for a broader and independent investigation into the alleged financial transactions, Kpoto’s reported relationships with suspected drug traffickers and the circumstances surrounding the issuance of her diplomatic passport.
It also calls for authorities to examine whether any public officials assisted or protected individuals involved in the alleged drug-trafficking network.
The investigation comes as Liberia faces growing concerns over the impact of illegal drugs, particularly cocaine, on young people and communities across the country.
Those named in the allegations should be given an opportunity to respond, while law-enforcement authorities are expected to establish the facts through evidence and due process.
