By G. Watson Richards
The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has indicted seven individuals, including former senior government officials and civil society leaders, over the alleged diversion of approximately US$1.8 million intended to support rural women and small businesses.
The indictments, issued by Criminal Court “C,” mark the Task Force’s fourth major legal action in its ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
Those named face charges including theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.
According to AREPT, the case stems from funds allocated in the 2023 national budget under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program,” designed to implement the Rural Women Empowerment Fund. Of the US$2 million appropriated, US$1,819,469.43 was reportedly disbursed and placed under the control of ministry officials.
“These funds were deposited into accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia and were managed and controlled by former Minister Mawine G. Diggs and other officials,” the Task Force said in its official statement.
Among those indicted are former Minister of Commerce and Industry Mawine G. Diggs, Financial Comptroller Gudi J. N. Neufville, and former Senior Policy Advisor Joseph Yado Howe. Also named are Kebeh Monger, Elizabeth Finda Sambulah, Josephine Handful Greens, and Kemmoh Borbor.
The program was intended to support rural women through agricultural assistance, market access, savings and loan groups, and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
However, investigators allege the funds were diverted for personal use.
“Investigations uncovered that co-defendants… diverted these funds from their intended purpose, with criminal intent, thereby depriving the intended beneficiaries and diverting same to their personal benefits,” AREPT stated.
The Task Force used the briefing to defend its pace of work following months without public updates, stressing that its approach prioritizes evidence over speed.
“This should not be interpreted as ineffectiveness. Rather, it reflects our commitment to a thorough, systematic analysis of facts and the careful establishment of credible and prudent evidence regarding allegations of public asset theft,” the statement said.
AREPT also sought to counter perceptions of political influence, emphasizing its independence and adherence to due process.
“Investigations into corruption and asset recovery are not driven by hearsay or assumptions. The culpability of defendants is determined by the weight of credible evidence, not speculation,” the Task Force said, adding that it “remains independent in all its investigative processes” and that “there will be no witch-hunt.”
The agency further noted that all defendants were granted full legal rights throughout the investigative process.
“All defendants were afforded due process… and were granted all rights consistent with Article 20(a) of the 1986 Constitution,” the statement added.
AREPT concluded by indicating that additional cases are under active investigation and that further indictments are likely.
“We assure the public and the press that no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth. All stolen, converted, or illegally transferred Government of Liberia assets… will be diligently pursued,” the Task Force said.
The latest indictments represent a significant development in Liberia’s efforts to combat corruption and recover public assets, particularly in programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
