By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Government of Liberia, through its Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, has launched investigations into 26 high-profile cases involving alleged theft and misapplication of public assets.
The Deputy Minister of Information, Daniel Sando made the disclosure on Thursday, April 17, at the MICAT regular press briefing, noting that among these is a notable case concerning the Anita Group of Companies and former Chief of Protocol, Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, which has seen limited cooperation prompting legal measures to compel compliance.
He emphasized that no individual is above the law, urging that invitations to assist with investigations should not be politicized or viewed as punitive.
He reaffirmed President Joseph Boakai’s zero-tolerance on corruption and stressed that all proceedings are being conducted lawfully and transparently.
According to him, one of the most high-profile cases involves Madam Bundoo, associated with both the Anita Group of Companies and Gracious Ride. Her legal team reportedly declined the Task Force’s request for cooperation, prompting authorities to invoke Article 21 of the 1986 Constitution along with Sections 2.1 and 2.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law to move forward legally.
Although the case against Bundoo and her associates was closed based on their legal communication, broader investigations into connected individuals and entities remain ongoing.
Minister Sando made it clear that the proceedings are part of a structured legal process—not arbitrary actions, “This process has already been tested in court.”
He criticized the legal strategy employed by Bundoo’s lawyers, who have sought to redirect the matter to the courts rather than comply with the Task Force’s summons, suggesting it is a calculated delay tactic meant to derail the investigation.
He references a prior injunction that halted the Task Force’s work for nine months. “The same legal system that paused our work gave us the green light to proceed. If the President had acted without waiting for the court’s ruling, critics would have accused us of bypassing the law. But we waited and now we act within legal bounds.”
He also condemned attempts by some public figures and political commentators to frame the investigation as persecution. “Invitations to account for your role in public service are not death sentences. If you believe you acted properly, come forward and explain. The law does not discriminate.”
Minister Sando issued a stern warning to individuals and institutions resisting the investigation, describing as a deliberate attempt to obstruct the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
“This kind of defiance goes against the very principles of justice and accountability, which are central to President Boakai’s mission to clean up the public sector,” Sando said.
Reaffirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to justice, Sando stressed that the Boakai-led government will not tolerate any obstruction of the asset recovery process. “The Asset Recovery Team is operating fully within the confines of the law. Its work must be respected by all,” he declared.
He further warned that any attempt to hinder the process will result in legal consequences. “This is a national duty. The fight against corruption requires unity and resolve not sabotage. The government is determined to ensure accountability and restore public trust.”
As investigations continue, the government is calling on political leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to support the process and avoid politicizing it. “This is not about politics it’s about justice. It’s about recovering what rightfully belongs to the Liberian people.”
