By By: Staff Writer
Paynesville, Liberia – A staff member of the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) was allegedly assaulted while carrying out official duties in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation, the Taskforce confirmed on Thursday.
According to a statement from AREPT, the staff member had gone to serve a letter to Mr. Marwolo Jallah, head of Zest Group of Business Inc., who is listed as a person of interest in an active investigation. During the encounter, Mr. Jallah allegedly detained and flogged the staff member, inflicting physical injuries.
The incident was immediately reported to the Liberia National Police (LNP), which has since taken Mr. Jallah into custody at the Zone 8 Police Station for questioning.
AREPT condemned the assault, describing it as both a criminal act and an attempt to intimidate anti-corruption efforts in the country.
“Such conduct represents an attempt to obstruct justice and will not be tolerated,” the Taskforce stated, adding that it remains determined to pursue all individuals and entities involved in the alleged misuse of public assets.
The Taskforce warned that any interference with its lawful operations would be met with legal consequences. It also reaffirmed its commitment to continue tracing, identifying, and recovering stolen or suspicious public assets despite the incident.
In its statement, AREPT expressed appreciation to the LNP for its prompt response and called on the public to support its ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Liberia.
