Verity News has uncovered that the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarpolu County has issued a writ of arrest and a ‘NE EXEAT REPUBLICA’ on several notorious Chinese miners.
This decisive action, led by Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh during the special session of the May Term of Court, A.D. 2024, targets individuals and companies involved in illicit mining operations that have long plagued the region.
The legal instruments were prompted by a formal complaint from Bopolu City Solicitor Lassana Sirleaf, whose communication highlighted the imminent flight risk posed by the defendants.
Among those targeted are prominent figures and entities such as Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, and Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry.
The court’s writ mandates the arrest of numerous individuals associated with various mining companies, including Zheng Yi of Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., Muntaga Barry of Urban & Rural Services, Inc., Randy Scott of Scott Investment Incorporation, and representatives from several other entities.
The charges laid out by Judge Wesseh’s writ are serious: Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion, and Criminal Conspiracy.
The court documents, which are in the possession of this paper, outline the sheriff’s responsibility to detain these individuals and ensure their appearance in court.
The full list of defendants reads like a who is who of the illegal mining underworld and includes Li Yingjun of Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., Gao Feng aka Barry, Mo Hailong, Zhuo XianHe, Mrs. Zhang Chi, and many others.
Each of these individuals is accused of playing a role in the extensive network of illegal mining operations that have siphoned millions of dollars out of the Liberian economy.
The court’s directive is clear: the sheriff is to bring these individuals to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court for legal proceedings.
This sweeping action marks a crucial step in addressing the rampant illegal mining activities in Gbarpolu County, reflecting the government’s commitment to curbing economic crimes and ensuring that those responsible face justice.
As the legal process unfolds, the public and relevant stakeholders will closely monitor the developments in this high-profile case. It underscores the ongoing challenges and efforts in regulating the mining sector in Liberia.
In 2023, these illegal Chinese miners and their associates were indicted by the government of Liberia on multiple economic crimes, including Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion, and Criminal Conspiracy.
An investigation by Verity Newspaper revealed that these miners were never prosecuted by the previous administration and continued their illegal activities, depriving the country of millions of dollars.
The indictment drawn against the dubious Chinese mining companies charges them with both first and second-degree felonies.
Count One: Fraud on Internal Revenue (Economic Sabotage)
The special Grand Jurors for Gbarpolu County, upon their oath, found that the defendants engaged in Economic Sabotage, a first-degree felony. Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, was found to have engaged in illicit mining activities using exploration licenses, generating over US$12 million.
Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry, generated over US$5 million from similar activities. Scott Investment Incorporation, represented by Randy Scott, illicitly mined over US$5,310,240. The Randell & Oretha S. Doe Multipurpose Company generated over US$18,124,923.60, while Money Man Jackson accrued US$777,666 through illegal mining.
These activities violated various sections of the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000, with total illegal proceeds nearing US$50 million.
Count Two: Tax Evasion:
The indictment also revealed that these Chinese miners and their associates conspired to commit Tax Evasion, a second-degree felony. They generated significant illegal proceeds while evading lawful taxes imposed under Liberian law, violating the Revenue Code of Liberia.
Count Three: Criminal Conspiracy
Criminal Conspiracy, a second-degree misdemeanor, is the third charge against the Chinese Nationals.
The writ on our possession indicates that the defendants coordinated to conduct illicit mining operations, violating the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000 and acting contrary to the Penal Law of Liberia.
These acts were brought to light after a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, whose findings are in the possession of this paper.
This landmark case represents a pivotal moment in Liberia’s fight against illegal mining and economic crimes, promising to reshape the future of the nation’s mining sector.
