The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has issued a strong public warning following reports that several individuals under active investigation for alleged corruption and asset misappropriation may be attempting to leave the country.
In a statement released Monday, July 14, 2025, AREPT cautioned that fleeing Liberia will not exempt any suspect from prosecution, and warned that such actions could trigger international legal mechanisms designed to return fugitives to face justice at home.
“Fleeing the country will not protect anyone from investigation or prosecution,” said Joseph Daniels, Public Relations Officer for AREPT.
According to Daniels, such actions only deepen public suspicion and reinforces the Taskforce determination to recover stolen asserts.
“Such actions only deepen public suspicion and reinforce Liberia’s determination to recover stolen assets and uphold the rule of law,” he added.
The Taskforce emphasized that it has the full backing of international partners and stands ready to activate diplomatic and legal processes, including extradition procedures and regional security cooperation.
AREPT confirmed that it will engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ECOWAS, the African Union, INTERPOL, and global asset recovery networks to pursue suspects who attempt to evade justice.
“Our mandate is clear,” Daniels continued. “We will pursue every legal channel available. Attempts to obstruct justice through flight will be met with lawful, coordinated, and resolute action.”
While AREPT did not name individuals in the current warning, sources familiar with the investigations have noted growing concern within the Liberian government over potential attempts by high-profile persons of interest to relocate abroad amid ongoing probes.
The Taskforce urged all persons under investigation to cooperate fully, stressing that such cooperation is not a choice but a legal obligation.
“Cooperation with ongoing investigations is a legal duty, not an option,” said the statement. “No one is above the law, and no attempt to flee will ultimately succeed.”
AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to due process and a non-political approach to asset recovery and accountability.
The taskforce reiterated that all efforts are rooted in the broader goal of restoring public trust and strengthening Liberia’s legal institutions.
The warning comes amid heightened national and international interest in Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts, with government institutions and civil society pushing for transparency and the recovery of state resources.
