The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has announced major indictments against several high-profile individuals and business executives following extensive investigations into alleged financial crimes and misuse of public funds. Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edward Kla Martin said the indictments stem from two separate investigations — one involving former Chief of Protocol, Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, and another concerning the MDMC Express Incorporated and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
“These cases reveal a troubling pattern — the use of power and influence to divert public resources for personal gain,” Martin stated. Gracious Ride and Anita Group Indictments Cllr. Martin disclosed that the investigation into Gracious Ride and its parent company, Anita Group of Companies, uncovered massive financial irregularities and property acquisitions that could not be justified by legitimate income. According to him, between 2020 and 2023, the companies — allegedly used as fronts by Madam Bundoo and her associates — moved and concealed over US$6.7 million and L$845 million in public funds.
The probe further revealed that Bundoo acquired multiple properties, including:Real estate in Christopolis Community, Brewerville (US$73,000)A 12-unit complex in Freetown Community, Margibi County (US$137,000) A residence in Rehab Community, Paynesville (US$120,000)
Additionally, Bundoo’s company reportedly purchased 42 Suzuki vehicles from GBK Motors valued at US$424,000 between 2022 and 2023.
Based on the evidence, Bundoo and several others — including Pamela Anita Jallah, Francis B. Blamo, Saah F. Johnson Sr., and 40 others — were indicted for Money Laundering, Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, Misuse of Public Funds, Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery, Abuse of Office, and violations of both the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) and the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA). MDMC and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Case.
In a separate development, AREPT announced indictments against John S. Youboty, CEO of MDMC Express Incorporated, and Thelma Duncan Sawyer, former Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The case centers on a US$1.95 million contract for the renovation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in 2023, funded by a US$2.5 million donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to AREPT, the investigation found that only 56.35 percent of the renovation work was completed, valued at US$1.09 million, while 43.65 percent (US$851,136.13) remained undone — despite MDMC receiving full payment. Cllr. Martin said the findings led to indictments for Theft of Property and Criminal Facilitation against Sawyer, Youboty, and other MDMC executives. He called on the government to terminate all contractual engagements with the company immediately.“No One Is Beyond Accountability” The AREPT Chairman stressed that the taskforce’s work is not politically motivated but guided by evidence and the rule of law.
“Every dollar that is stolen, every asset illegally taken, is a resource denied to our people,” he said. “That money could have built classrooms, provided medicine, improved roads, or paid civil servants.”
Martin added that the latest indictments are among more than 40 active investigations under the taskforce. Earlier this year, AREPT secured indictments against 15 current and former officials over the alleged theft of rice donated by Saudi Arabia for disaster victims. He concluded with a stern warning: “Those who misuse public resources will face the full weight of the law, and those who serve with honesty will be protected and respected. To those who still believe they are untouchable — the law will find you.”
Author: Cooper K. Sangar Jr.
