Asset Recovery Task Force Indicts Former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bondoo and 40 Others in $6 Million Money Laundering Scandal

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia’s anti-corruption drive took a dramatic turn on Friday when the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) unveiled a damning indictment implicating former Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundoo, her daughter Pamela Anita Jallah, and more than 40 co-conspirators in a sprawling money laundering and property theft scheme valued at over US$6.7 million and L$845 million.

Addressing the press in Paynesville, AREPT Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin declared that Liberia has reached a “turning point,” sending a clear warning that no public figure, regardless of status or connection, will escape accountability.

“This is not just another case it’s Liberia’s statement that abuse of public trust will no longer go unpunished,Martin told journalists.

According to Cllr. Martin, investigators traced a web of suspicious transactions, shell companies, and property acquisitions linked to the Anita Group of Companies and Gracious Ride, both established by Bundoo’s daughter, Pamela Anita Jallah.

AREPT’s findings show that between 2020 and 2023, millions of dollars in public funds were funneled through these companies to purchase real estate, luxury vehicles, and other high-value assets under the Bundoo family’s control.

“Before taking office, Madam Bundoo had no record of significant business holdings.

But within three years, her financial activities multiplied beyond explanation,” Martin disclosed.

Bank records show staggering transactions totaling US$6,731,441 and L$845,240,057, along with several real estate acquisitions, including:

• A Brewerville property valued at US$73,000

• A 12-unit estate in Margibi County worth US$137,000

• A Rehab Community property in Paynesville purchased for US$120,000

• 42 Suzuki vehicles bought from GBK Motors, totaling US$424,000

The Charges

Bundoo, Jallah, and 40 others now face a long list of criminal charges, including:

• Money Laundering

• Economic Sabotage

• Theft of Property

• Misuse of Public Funds

• Forgery

• Abuse of Public Office

• Criminal Conspiracy

• Violations of the PPCA and PFMA

Cllr. Martin confirmed that key arrests have already been made, and the Taskforce is pursuing additional suspects as investigations deepen.

In a separate but equally troubling revelation, AREPT announced indictments against former Deputy Foreign Minister Thelma Duncan Sawyer, MDMC Express Inc. CEO John S. Youboty, and others over the US$1.9 million renovation contract scandal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite receiving full payment for the project funded by a US$2.5 million Saudi donation, investigators found that less than 57% of the work was completed, leaving over US$850,000 unaccounted for.

AREPT has called on the Liberian Government to immediately terminate all existing and pending contracts with MDMC Express Inc., branding the company “formally indicted for theft and criminal facilitation.”

In one of the most striking statements of the day, Martin cautioned:

“Those who still believe they are untouchable the law will find you.

Every dollar stolen is a dream stolen from Liberian children.”

He stressed that AREPT’s work is not political but patriotic, adding that over 40 additional corruption cases are currently under investigation.

The revelation has sent shockwaves through Liberia’s political and social landscape, as Bundoo once one of the most powerful women in the Executive Mansion now faces the full weight of the law alongside her daughter and associates.

Analysts say this marks the strongest corruption crackdown yet under President Boakai’s administration, signaling a new era of accountability.

“Today’s indictments send a clear message that Liberia is changing course,” Martin concluded.

“Those who misuse public resources will face justice, and those who serve with honesty will be protected.”

The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce also confirmed that the same network of companies  Anita Group of Companies, Anita Business Center, and Gracious Ride was at the center of the scandal.

According to the Taskforce’s separate statement, the indictments involve a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme with over US$6 million and L$845 million unaccounted for.

Key figures named include Nora Finda Bondoo, Anita Pamela Jallah, Francis Blambo, and Saah Johnson, all now facing prosecution for money laundering, theft of property, criminal conspiracy, misuse of public funds, forgery, and abuse of office.

“The Taskforce has delved into the operations of Gracious Ride and discovered these entities were established and used to channel stolen funds,” Martin added.

Another Scandal Unfolds MDMC and the Foreign Affairs Case

In a separate development, AREPT also indicted former Deputy Foreign Minister Thelma Duncan Sawyer and MDMC Express Inc. CEO John S. Youboty over a US$1.9 million Ministry of Foreign Affairs renovation contract funded by a Saudi Arabian donation.

An independent audit revealed that while the company received 100% payment, only 56% of the work was completed  leaving US$851,136.13 unaccounted for.

“That money could have built schools, provided medicine, or improved roads,” Martin lamented.

“Every stolen dollar is a dream stolen from the Liberian people.”

AREPT has since called for the government to terminate all existing and pending contracts with MDMC, which it now labels as formally indicted for theft and criminal facilitation.

“The Law Will Find You” A Warning to the Powerful

Cllr. Martin ended his statement with a chilling message to corrupt public officials and their enablers:

“Those who believe they are untouchable the law will find you.

These investigations prove that no one is beyond accountability.”

He emphasized that the Taskforce’s work is “not political, but patriotic”, revealing that over 40 more corruption-related cases are currently being investigated.

The indictments against Bundoo once one of the most powerful women in the Executive Mansion  have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, signaling a new phase in President Boakai’s anti-corruption war.

Political analysts describe it as the most consequential corruption case since the new administration took office, and one that could reshape the culture of impunity in Liberia’s public service.

“Today’s indictments send a clear message that Liberia is changing course,”

“Those who misuse public resources will face justice, and those who serve with honesty will be protected.”