The Liberia Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Chapter #198, has opened a three-day intensive anti-fraud conference bringing together seasoned professionals from across multiple sectors to strengthen the country’s frontline defense against fraud.
The workshop held at the Paynesville City Hall from 27 November to 2 December 2025, targets Certified Fraud Examiners, associates, internal and external auditors, lawyers, law enforcement officers, bankers, investigators, and risk and compliance experts. Participants will delve into critical topics such as integrating fraud risks into enterprise risk management, and identifying red flags and fraud schemes in procurement and asset management.
In his opening address, ACFE Liberia President, Augustine G. Chenoweth, reminded attendees of their unified responsibility, emphasizing that each professional represents a vital link in the chain of accountability. Referencing the 2024 Global Fraud Survey (Report to the Nations), Chenoweth warned of the mounting threat fraud poses globally.
The study documented 1,921 cases across 138 countries and revealed that organizations worldwide lose approximately 5% of their revenue, amounting to an estimated US$3.1 billion. “Fraud is not merely a financial crime, it is a breach of confidence that undermines governance, erodes public trust, and weakens the very foundations of our organizations.” With rapid technological advancement and increasingly complex financial systems, he added, the responsibility to confront fraud is “greater than ever,” Chenoweth narrated.
ACFE Liberia President noted that the workshop will equip participants with cutting-edge tools, proven investigative techniques, and real-world case studies covering ethical leadership, procurement risks, asset management, governance, and anomaly detection.
Jarwo Nutah Cooper, Training Director of ACFE Liberia, urged participants to fully engage in the sessions. “Let us leave here not only with enhanced knowledge, but with renewed determination to lead with integrity and build systems that withstand the pressures of fraud and corruption.”
The Director General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), David A. Kemah, stressed the importance of sustained capacity building. He described ongoing training as indispensable to keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal schemes and maintaining confidence in oversight work.
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) also praised ACFE Liberia for convening the training; noting that robust internal controls and a culture of accountability are fundamental to improving service reliability and strengthening public trust. Representing LEC, Senior Auditor, D. Clifford M. Russell said the corporation is undergoing significant operational restructuring guided by a five-pillar strategic plan. “These foundational blocks not only propel the entity forward,” Russell stated, “but reaffirms our commitment to transparency, compliance, and good governance.”
