The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has revealed that it has seized 17 high-profile cases involving stolen assets, money laundering, and the suspicious acquisition of properties, vehicles, and other resources.
The announcement follows the Supreme Court’s ruling, which granted AREPT the legal right to operate and dismissed a petition filed by the management of Gracious Ride. The task force is now calling on the public to assist in identifying additional stolen assets, including both liquid and fixed assets.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, AREPT outlined its intentions to immediately resume its work after a nine-month suspension imposed by the Supreme Court’s stay order. During this period, the task force complied fully with the Court’s ruling and remained inactive. However, with the Court’s recent decision affirming the legitimacy of Executive Order No. 126, which established the task force, AREPT is now set to proceed with its mission to recover government resources and assets obtained illegally.
The task force emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability as it moves forward with investigations into high-profile thefts of government resources involving public officials and private individuals. According to AREPT, the stolen assets include suspicious houses, vehicles, and funds linked to money laundering activities. AREPT’s statement stressed that every asset recovered will bring the country closer to restoring public trust and ensuring government resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.
AREPT further stated that it has already put measures in place to effectively begin its investigations into these illegal activities, targeting both past and present public officials and private business entities that may have been complicit in these thefts. The task force made it clear that all persons of interest will be invited to cooperate with its investigation in accordance with the rule of law, and that anyone who refuses to comply with this process will face legal consequences, including formal charges and prosecution.
The task force also urged the public to come forward with any information related to suspicious assets. AREPT specifically called for reports on suspicious homes, government vehicles, earth-moving equipment, motorbikes, and other government assets that may have been illegally acquired or transferred. The task force assured the public that all reports would remain confidential, and the identity of those who report thefts would be protected.
In addition to addressing the current cases, AREPT also raised concerns about activities during the nine months of inactivity. The task force warned that some individuals may have illegally transferred assets, such as large sums of money, to foreign accounts or falsified property titles to conceal stolen resources. According to AREPT, its surveillance and intelligence unit has been actively monitoring these activities and has already captured several individuals involved in these illegal actions.
AREPT stressed the importance of public involvement in the fight against corruption and theft, noting that Liberia’s development has suffered significantly due to widespread corruption and the theft of public assets. The task force appealed to citizens and the media to actively participate in this effort, which is crucial to the nation’s efforts to restore economic stability and growth.
In conclusion, AREPT reminded the public that it would not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or organization involved with stealing government resources. The task force reassured the public that due process would be followed in all investigations and would work relentlessly to ensure justice is served. The statement concluded by urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to stolen assets and other illegal acts through the channels provided by AREPT.
