LMA President, Former Commerce Minister Lead List of Seven Indicted in US$1.8M Fund Scandal

Paynesville, Liberia: The President of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), Elizabeth Finda Sambulah, and former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawine G. Diggs, are among seven individuals indicted in a major corruption case involving funds intended to support rural women and small businesses in Liberia.

The indictments, announced by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), stem from an investigation into the alleged diversion of over US$1.8 million allocated for the Rural Women Empowerment Fund under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Also indicted are Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller at the ministry; Joseph Yado Howe, former Senior Policy Advisor; Kebeh Monger, President of the National Rural Women Structure of Liberia; Josephine Handful Greens, former Secretary General of the same institution; and Kemmoh Borbor, Cashier at the ministry.

According to AREPT, Criminal Court “C” has issued its fourth indictment, charging the accused with theft of property, economic sabotage through the misuse of public funds, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.

The case centers on a 2023 budgetary allocation of US$2 million by the Government of Liberia for the Vulnerable Small Business Support Program, aimed at empowering rural women, farmers, marketers, and small enterprises across the country.

Investigators revealed that US$1,819,469.43 was disbursed for the program and deposited into accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia, under the management of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

However, AREPT said evidence shows that the funds were allegedly diverted from their intended purpose by some of the accused, depriving beneficiaries and redirecting the money for personal use.

Addressing concerns about the delay in recent indictments, AREPT clarified that the absence of public updates since November 2025 reflects a deliberate effort to build strong, evidence-based cases rather than act on speculation.

The task force emphasized that its investigations are independent and not politically motivated, adding that there will be no witch-hunt, as all actions are based strictly on credible and verifiable evidence.

AREPT further assured that all defendants were granted due process, including the opportunity to participate in the investigation with legal representation, in line with Liberia’s constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, the task force disclosed that additional corruption and asset recovery cases remain under active investigation, including efforts to trace and recover government assets that may have been transferred abroad.

AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all stolen or misappropriated public assets and holding those responsible fully accountable.