By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, April 17 (LINA) – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has urged invited individuals who are contacted for inquiry to cooperate professionally and to uphold the confidentiality of all official communications from the AREPT
The call from the taskforce comes amid the leak of a communication which the body sent to Madam Nora Finda Bundoo inviting her to come over along with her legal counsel for investigation.
“The premature and unauthorized release of this letter, which was visibly stamped and officially dispatched, represents a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion and create a false narrative of targeted persecution,” a release from AREPT issued Wednesday April 16, 2025, cited.
It added: “We have a strong reason to believe that this document was leaked by the recipient or someone from her inner circle, as the original version bears distinct features unique to our secured communications”.
The AREPT also clarified that invitation does not presuppose wrongdoing, saying the process intended to afford due process to persons-of-interest in their interrogations, stating that if these people of interest cleared themselves, there will be no need for further action.
“We would also like to clarify that an invitation from AREPT investigators does not imply guilt. This process is strictly intended to afford due process to persons-of-interest in our investigations. If exonerated through the process, AREPT has no authority to pursue further action against such individuals”, the AREPT says.
The AREPT further noted that Madam Bundoo is not the only individual currently under investigation, adding that as disclosed by the Chairman of AREPT, Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, the Taskforce, is nearing the conclusion of 17 major cases, while investigations into an additional nine cases have commenced, amounting to the total number of active cases of 26.
These cases, according to the AREPT, span multiple sectors and involve various current and former government officials suspected of misappropriating public funds and assets.
The Taskforce says the official correspondence was issued in accordance with its mandate under Executive Order No. 145, which empowers AREPT to investigate, trace, and recover stolen and suspicious public assets on behalf of the Liberian people.
To date, it added, more than 15 current and former government officials have appeared before AREPT investigators in relation to ongoing inquiries—without a single incident of information leakage.
The Taskforce also calls on the public and media institutions to approach such matters responsibly void of sentiments, reaffirming that transparency remains a cornerstone of its operations, but the integrity of ongoing investigations must be protected to ensure due process and meaningful accountability.
AREPT remains resolute as it endeavors to work in the interest of the Liberian people, especially in a context where corruption has significantly strangulated Liberians into poverty, despite the country’s rich endowment of natural resources.
AREPT reemphasized its stance on investigating any act of corruption without fear and favor, citing, “We remain focused on retrieving stolen assets and restoring public trust in governance”.
