By Precious D. Freeman
The Director for Operations at the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force Liberia, Henry McGill, has been formally charged and forwarded to court for alleged human trafficking and theft of property.
McGill, 38, faces charges under Section 3(a) of the new Trafficking in Persons Act and Section 15.51 of the Penal Law of Liberia.
According to police reports, McGill was involved in recruiting multiple victims, including Francis N. Johnson, Albertha Lolo, and Doris Siah Tamba, under false pretenses, promising them lucrative job opportunities abroad.
Investigators revealed that McGill successfully facilitated the trafficking of Doris Siah Tamba to Oman, where she was subjected to forced labor, exploitation, and human rights abuses.
Authorities say McGill engaged in deceptive practices by recruiting, transporting, and receiving individuals under fraudulent claims.
Further findings indicate that McGill allegedly collected US$700 from each victim as a processing fee, totaling US$2,100.
The victims, hoping for better opportunities, unknowingly fell into a trafficking scheme that led them into harsh working conditions.
Police disclosed that McGill not only orchestrated their recruitment but also played a significant role in processing their travel documents.
Authorities believe McGill attempted to expand his recruitment efforts, seeking to send more individuals to Oman.
However, after his initial arrest, he reportedly sought ways to escape justice. To this end, he obtained a new passport (PP02 15709), issued on September 22, 2022, and valid until September 22, 2027.
This move was allegedly made after his previous passport (Pp0026093), issued on April 19, 2018, and expired on April 17, 2023, was seized by authorities to prevent his departure while under investigation.
Police suspect that McGill’s intention was to flee Liberia and evade prosecution, raising further concerns about the extent of his involvement in trafficking networks.
With the case now in court, legal experts argue that McGill’s high-ranking position within the very task force responsible for combating human trafficking makes his alleged crimes even more alarming.
If found guilty, he could face significant penalties under Liberia’s anti-trafficking laws, which have been strengthened in recent years to address rising cases of human trafficking.
The Liberian government, alongside international human rights organizations, has been intensifying efforts to crack down on human trafficking.
Officials stress that McGill’s case is a crucial test of the justice system’s ability to hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or affiliations.
Liberia has been identified as both a source and transit country for human trafficking, with many victims lured abroad under false promises.
The government has vowed to take stringent measures against traffickers, reinforcing border controls, increasing public awareness, and ensuring swift legal action against offenders.
As the trial unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the justice system handles a case that has sent shock-waves through the country’s anti-trafficking efforts.
The outcome could serve as a precedent for future cases involving officials accused of exploiting their positions for criminal activities.
