The criminal case involving several Chinese nationals, including the notorious Gao Feng, who were arrested for illegal mining activities in Liberia, remains in legal limbo, raising concerns among the public and various stakeholders. Despite their arrest earlier this year, there has been no progress in hearings or legal proceedings, leaving the case stagnant.
In July 2024, the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarpolu County issued a writ of NE EXEAT REPUBLICA against the accused individuals. This resulted in their arrest during a special May Term of Court session. This action, spearheaded by Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh, was widely celebrated by the people of Gbarpolu County, who have long suffered from the detrimental effects of illegal mining operations in the region.
The case was triggered by a formal complaint filed by Bopolu City Solicitor Lassana Sirleaf, who raised concerns about the risk of flight posed by the accused miners. The defendants include Chinese nationals connected to major illegal mining operations, such as Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., Urban & Rural Services, Inc., and Scott Investment Incorporation.
The charges against the accused are severe and include Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion, and Criminal Conspiracy. These individuals are accused of orchestrating illicit mining activities that have siphoned millions of dollars from Liberia’s economy. The full list of defendants includes Li Yingjun of Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., Gao Feng (also known as Barry), Mo Hailong, and Zhuo XianHe, among others.
The illegal mining operations have generated millions of dollars through unlawful activities, violating Liberia’s Mineral and Mining Law of 2000. However, despite the seriousness of the charges, the case has failed to progress in the legal system.
This lack of movement has led to mounting frustration among the public and key stakeholders, especially given the significant economic impact these illegal mining activities have had on Liberia’s resources. The indictment, issued in 2023, outlines three major counts against the accused: Economic Sabotage (Fraud on Internal Revenue) – A first-degree felony, which charges the defendants with engaging in illicit mining using exploration licenses, generating tens of millions of dollars from illegal activities; Tax Evasion – A second-degree felony, accusing the miners of evading taxes and violating the Revenue Code of Liberia; and Criminal Conspiracy – A second-degree misdemeanor, accusing the defendants of conspiring to violate Liberia’s mining laws and regulations.
The illegal mining operations were uncovered following an extensive investigation by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, which revealed that the illicit proceeds from these activities are estimated to be nearly US$50 million, a staggering sum that has deprived the Liberian economy of vital revenue.
Despite the early actions taken by Judge Wesseh and the gravity of the case, the delay in bringing these accused individuals to trial has raised questions about the efficiency of Liberia’s legal system. The case has become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to addressing illegal mining, economic crimes, and corruption in the country.
As the case remains in legal limbo, Liberians continue to hope for a swift resolution. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for the future of Liberia’s mining sector and the enforcement of the country’s mining laws.
