The Chairman of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, has vowed that no suspect involved in corruption whether at home or abroad—will evade justice, as the Liberian government intensifies its crackdown on public graft.
Speaking Monday on ELBC, Cllr. Martin disclosed that the taskforce is actively investigating 26 cases linked to the alleged misappropriation of public funds and reviewing more than 40 properties suspected to have been acquired through illicit means.
“There is no way anybody can escape. We’re working with partners in the UK, Switzerland, Sweden and we’ll use Interpol where necessary,” Martin said, stressing that individuals who attempt to flee the country will be pursued internationally.
Martin clarified that the fight against corruption is impartial and based solely on evidence. “We don’t investigate people; we investigate crimes. Once you’re linked, you’ll be invited, past or present,” he stated.
The AREPT chairman also confirmed that some individuals have already come forward quietly to make voluntary restitution. He urged others to do the same as the taskforce gears up for a national public awareness campaign to help trace and recover stolen state assets.
Meanwhile, indictments in the long-standing Saudi rice scandal involving several prominent former officials remain pending in court, as the government signals a renewed resolve to hold all those responsible fully accountable.
