By By: Staff Writer
By a fresh wave of anti-corruption action, Liberia’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has formally charged seven individuals—including former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs—over the alleged misappropriation of more than US$1.8 million in public funds.
Also named in the indictment are Financial Comptroller Gudi J. N. Neufville, ex–Senior Policy Advisor Joseph Yado Howe, Liberia Marketing Association President Kebeh Monger, Josephine Handful Greens of the National Rural Women Structure, and Ministry of Commerce cashier Kemmoh Borbor.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, AREPT’s head, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, revealed that the accused are facing multiple charges, including economic sabotage, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy.
According to Martin, the funds—amounting to US$1,819,469.43—were allocated in 2023 under the “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program,” a government initiative designed to assist rural women, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs. However, investigators allege that the money was instead redirected for personal use by those indicted.
He emphasized that the case is backed by substantial evidence, dismissing suggestions of political targeting and reaffirming the task force’s commitment to tracing and recovering stolen public assets, both within Liberia and abroad.
This latest action represents AREPT’s fourth indictment since its creation under Executive Order No. 126, signed by President Joseph Boakai in March 2024, as part of broader efforts to combat corruption and reclaim government resources.
