Monrovia, Liberia- In a landmark ruling, nine former employees of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) have been convicted for economic sabotage following the theft of petroleum products from the company’s Product Storage Terminal (PST).
The historic verdict was handed down by Criminal Court ‘C’ at the Temple of Justice on May 5, 2025, marking the largest and most significant conviction in LPRC’s history.
On May 16, 2025, the resident Circuit judge of Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge A. Blamo Dixon sentenced all nine individuals to five years in prison and ordered them to jointly pay US$941,895.11 in restitution to LPRC, in addition to a US$300 fine each into the Government of Liberia’s consolidated account.
LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh has hailed the ruling as a “defining moment for justice, transparency, and institutional integrity.”
“This outcome delivers long-overdue justice and sends a clear message: fraud, theft, and dishonesty will not be tolerated at LPRC under any circumstances,” Tweh said in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
MD Tweh indicated that the conviction of the nine former employees of the LPRC is not just a victory-it is a moral one, stating that it reaffirms the company’s zero tolerance for misconduct.
“This is not just a legal victory-it is a moral one. It reaffirms our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and our unwavering commitment to accountability,” he noted.
Tweh commended the LPRC Legal Department for what he described as “vigorous and highly professional representation” during the trial.
“Their relentless dedication and strategic legal expertise were instrumental in securing this landmark ruling,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Executive Management Team and other staff who supported the investigation through testimony and collaboration. “Their collective resolve made justice possible,” he said.
The LPRC Managing Director emphasized the need for renewed commitment to the company’s core values of hard work, dedication, and integrity.
“These principles must continue to guide our conduct. In the wake of this serious breach of trust, we must rise stronger and more united,” Tweh added.
Looking ahead, MD Tweh pledged enhanced internal controls and tighter security protocols to prevent future breaches.
“Every LPRC employee, regardless of rank, has a duty to safeguard our company’s assets and reputation,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to reassure LPRC’s external partners and stakeholders.
“Let me be clear: the integrity and ethical management of our product storage operations remain a top priority,” Tweh declared.
According to him, the verdict is a proof of the company’s resolved commitment to confront wrongdoing.
“This verdict is proof of our resolve to confront wrongdoing head-on using all legal means available,” he intimated.
Tweh, however, issued a firm reminder about the importance of confidentiality across the organization, while warning all employees and staffs of LPRC to handle sensitive information with the highest level of discretion.
“All employees and affiliates must handle sensitive information with the highest level of discretion,” he warned. “Any breach of confidentiality will be treated as a serious offense, with possible legal or disciplinary consequences,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Tweh called on all staff to embrace the moment as a turning point, noting that it is a proud moment for the in the company’s history.
“This is a proud day in LPRC’s journey. Let it inspire each of us to recommit to excellence without compromise. Speak up against wrongdoing. Stay vigilant. Together, we will build an even stronger LPRC-one rooted in truth, honor, and unwavering accountability,” Tweh concluded.
