The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has reported to the House of Representatives on the efforts being exerted to retrieve stolen public assets.
The Taskforce was established through Executive Order No. 145โan amendment to Executive Order No. 126โAREPT with the objective of investigating, identifying, and facilitating the recovery of assets unlawfully acquired by public officials and private individuals. Its creation represents a key component of Liberiaโs ongoing fight against grand corruption.
Appearing before the House during the fourth day of sitting of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, May 21, 2025, Cllr. Edwin Kla-Martin, Head of the Taskforce reported on what he terms as significant progress as of April 30.
According to him, the team had identified and documented over 30 properties suspected to be linked to illicitly acquired public wealthโall within just five months of active duty.
He added that the recoveries expected from these efforts would not only satisfy national interest but also support legislative efforts across constituencies.
In a related update, Cllr. Martin revealed that the task force is currently conducting 27 active investigations involving both former and sitting public officials. However, he declined to disclose specific names, citing the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigations.
Additionally, he disclosed that 17 of the cases are nearing completion and are expected to move into the legal phase soon. The taskforce has also uncovered numerous fictitious bank deposits and suspected money laundering activities, though the banks involved were not identified.
To strengthen international cooperation, AREPT has secured a commitment from the Swedish Ambassador to assist in recovering assets identified in Sweden. The task force has also engaged two UK-based forensic experts to aid in complex investigations and litigation procedures, including efforts to file asset recovery cases in the United Kingdom.
But he said AREPT faces considerable challengesโincluding funding shortfalls, legal constraints, and logistical hurdlesโthat continue to undermine its operations.
Cllr. Martin appealed to the legislature for AREPT’s inclusion in the Recast National Budget, emphasizing the need for enhanced logistical, technical, and administrative support for both domestic and cross-border asset recovery initiatives.
He also called for an amendment to Section 4.2 of the Penal Law to eliminate the statute of limitations on corruption-related offenses, allowing prosecutions and recovery efforts to proceed without time restrictions.
He emphasized the critical need for public awareness and citizen engagement as he reiterated the task forceโs commitment to restore integrity in public service.
Following his presentation, Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar Jones introduced a motion for the House Leadership to engage the Executive Branch in resolving the legal and funding challenges hampering AREPT’s work. The motion passed by the overwhelming majority of members of the House in session.
