In a sweeping operation intended to enhance public safety across District #11, Montserrado County, officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Zone Four, Depot One, on Friday, November 21, 2025, arrested more than two dozen individuals accused of a major network marketing fraud within the Dry Rice Market Community in Barnersville.
Residents told reporters they had long suspected unusual movements at the location. “We often saw different people coming in and out, but we didn’t know what was happening. We really thank the police for this operation,” one resident said.
Zone Commander John Clark confirmed the arrest of 30 suspects—among them several women—as well as the rescue of one victim. “I am not here to joke,” Commander Clark declared. “My team and I will make Barnersville and its surroundings peaceful. We will hunt criminals and ensure justice prevails. Let this serve as a warning. Barnersville is a no-go zone for hijackers and wrongdoers.”
Police disclosed that 99 percent of the suspects are Sierra Leonean nationals, with only two Liberians. According to investigators, many of the suspects initially claimed to be running “independent businesses,” but evidence recovered at the scene pointed to a large-scale scam operation. During the raid, officers confiscated a detailed ledger containing names, addresses, and contact information of 52 alleged victims believed to have been defrauded by the network.
One of the victims, Alvin P. Carma, narrated how he was tricked after being introduced to the scheme through his girlfriend. “My girlfriend told me there was a company in Liberia that helps people travel to Canada,” Carma said.
“They said they would take care of the entire process if I paid three thousand dollars. I didn’t have that much, but I managed to pay one thousand. Since then, I haven’t heard from them, and they refused to refund me. Now I’m selling ice cream to survive.” Following their arrest, police documented the suspects’ identities and statements before transferring them to LNP Headquarters in Monrovia. They were charged with Theft of Property, Money Laundering, Human Trafficking, and other related offenses However, new information gathered by this newspaper suggests that all 30 individuals arrested along with the rescued victim were reportedly released on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Authorities have not yet provided clarification regarding the circumstances of their release.
By Prince Baysah, Contributor
