By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police has arrested one individual and is searching for eight others in connection with a scheme to forge national identification cards.
The suspects allegedly promised members of the Liberia Marketing Association access to loans from the World Bank in exchange of obtaining the fake Ids.
Christopher Gardea, the individual in custody, is under police investigation and awaiting prosecution, according to the Executive Director of the National Identification Registry (NIR), Andrew Peters.
Mr. Peters addressed the public during an impromptu press conference held in Congo Town on Friday, warning against the production and use of fraudulent national Ids.
“The national ID card is directly linked to the National Identification Registry’s database. Anyone caught producing or using a fake card will face the full weight of the law,” Peters emphasized.
He clarified that only the NIR is authorized to issue national identification cards in Liberia and cautioned citizens against engaging with unauthorized individuals or entities.
The NIR Executive Director urged members of the Liberia Marketing Association and the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such schemes.
He advised anyone seeking a legitimate national ID card to visit the authorized NIR centers, noting that the process takes three days in Monrovia and up to a week for applicants outside Montserrado County.
“This scheme not only undermines the integrity of the national identification system but also places citizens at risk of legal consequences,” Peters stated.
He reiterated the importance of safeguarding the ID system, which is a critical tool for verifying identities in the country.
Mr. Peters disclosed that the joint security forces have been placed on high alert to monitor and apprehend those involved in falsifying national ID cards.
He reassured the public that authorities are committed to cracking down on these criminal activities.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Liberia National Police urge anyone with information about the remaining suspects to come forward.
