The Liberia National Police has arrested and charged Henry McGill, Director for Operations at the country’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force, for alleged involvement in human trafficking and theft of property.
McGill, 38, was formally charged and forwarded to the Monrovia City Court after an investigation linked him to violations of the Trafficking in Persons Act and Liberia’s Penal Law, specifically Sections 3(a) and 15.51.
According to police findings, McGill is accused of recruiting and facilitating the trafficking of Francis N. Johnson, Albertha Lolo, and Doris Siah Tamba to Oman, where they reportedly endured severe human rights abuses and conditions akin to modern-day slavery. Investigators revealed that McGill allegedly deceived his victims, orchestrating their transportation and exploitation under false pretenses.
Further inquiries uncovered that McGill had collected $700 from each victim as a processing fee, totaling $2,100. Authorities also suspect that he attempted to recruit additional individuals for similar trafficking schemes and had already begun processing their travel documents before his arrest.
To avoid prosecution, McGill allegedly secured a new passport on September 22, 2022, after his initial arrest, in what authorities believe was an attempt to flee the country. His previous passport had been confiscated as part of the investigation to prevent his escape.
With legal proceedings now underway, McGill remains in police custody, awaiting trial. The case is expected to draw significant public interest as Liberia continues to grapple with human trafficking concerns and efforts to strengthen enforcement against such crimes.
