LACC Recommences Corruption Trial Involving LISGIS Ex-officials over 2022 Census Funds

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Liberia’s premier anti-graft entity, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), has recommenced the long-overdue corruption trial involving former government officials of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) over the misappropriation of funds allocated for the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.

The long-awaited corruption case resumes on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Criminal Court “C” following the thorough selection and subsequent induction of a fifteen-member jury.

Individuals facing the allegation of misapplication of the census funds are LISGIS's former Comptroller, Dominic Paye, and Lawrence George, former Deputy Director-General for Administration.

LISGIS's former Deputy Director-General for Information and Coordination, Wilmot Smith, was detached from the trial and has been scheduled for a separate trial. This decision was reached after the Criminal Court “C” Judge A. Blamo Dixon confirmed that Smith is out of the bailiwick of Liberia.

The charges against the LISGIS former officials stem from allegations that funds intended to conduct the 2022 National Population and Housing Census were illegally diverted in violation of established financial procedures.

The state lawyer has presented claims of irregular procurement activities, including the procurement of a used generator at an overstated value instead of a new unit as approved in the project budget.

According to a press release under the signature of Madam Deanna W. Seakor, LACC Public Relations Officer, investigations also cite the use of proxy companies to route public funds for private benefit.

Investigators also noted that additional payments were allegedly made for a census workshop that never occurred, with individuals paid for services that were not rendered.

While preliminary investigation noted the potential financial loss of US$1.7 million, verified documentation presented by LACC now before the court places the prosecutable amount at US$128,198.64.

According to the LACC investigation, the alleged financial misconduct disrupted the smooth conduct of the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.

This, LACC added, fuelled unrest among unpaid enumerators, logistical breakdowns, and a decline in public confidence in a national exercise critical to development planning.

Meanwhile, LACC has reiterated the Commission's commitment to accountability and transparency and assures the public that it will continue to pursue this case to its lawful conclusion.