LACC Report Reveals US$15 Million in Corruption, But No Action Against Top Officials”

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has released its long-awaited 2024 investigation report, shedding light on shocking levels of corruption involving some of Liberia’s most influential institutions and government officials. Despite the discovery of millions of dollars being illegally taken, there have been no arrests or indictments, leading critics to label the report as a “toothless exercise in futility.”

                                                                                         By: Daniel Theophilus Cole 

The report, which covers investigations completed in 2024, exposes the deep-rooted corruption within the country. Notable cases include money laundering at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and procurement fraud at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), with losses amounting to a staggering US$3 million. Another significant case involves the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and over US$6 million being suspiciously transferred from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). Prominent figures such as former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and former Deputy Justice Minister Cllr. Nyenati Tuan are tied to this case, but, like others, it remains unresolved, with no legal action taken yet.

High-profile individuals are also implicated in other cases. Former Monrovia City Corporation official Varney Passewe is accused of laundering US$1.1 million, while Nathaniel McGill from the Ministry of State faces allegations of payroll padding. Even the National Elections Commission (NEC), the body responsible for overseeing elections, is under investigation for the misappropriation of US$161,000 in what is being called official corruption.

In addition to these high-profile cases, numerous public projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Liberians have been compromised by corruption. Projects such as hospital renovations and bridges in Rivercess County, intended to benefit the public, have fallen victim to greed, with local officials and contractors allegedly embezzling large sums of money that were meant for these improvements.

Despite completing investigations into 27 major corruption cases, totaling over US$15 million in stolen funds, the LACC admits that not a single indictment has been made. The commission attributes this delay to the lack of a specialized anti-corruption court, with only one court in Montserrado handling such cases. Critics argue that this is a convenient excuse for the lack of progress, calling it a “bottleneck” in the legal system.

“This report reads like a blueprint of national robbery,” said a political analyst in Monrovia. “But what’s the use if no one faces justice? This just reinforces the culture of impunity we’ve battled for decades.”

Public outcry is growing among Liberians, many of whom are already struggling with economic hardship. Citizens have taken to social media, questioning the relevance of an anti-corruption commission that exposes corruption but seems powerless to bring those responsible to justice. One citizen posted on Facebook, “Millions gone, but nobody in handcuffs — what message are they sending? That stealing is allowed if you’re well-connected?”

Looking ahead, the LACC has promised to release its first-quarter 2025 cases in April. However, critics warn that unless Liberia takes immediate steps to create a specialized anti-corruption court, the public should expect more reports with no real action and more corruption going unpunished.