The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has expressed dismay over a Christmas and New Year gift card sent by the Modern Development and Management Corporation (MDMC), a company currently indicted for alleged acts of corruption. According to a recent release issued in Monrovia, since its establishment nearly two years ago, AREPT has never received gifts, cards, or seasonal greetings from MDMC or any other entity under investigation.
”The Taskforce views this gesture as wholly inappropriate and potentially an attempt to influence the ongoing legal proceedings,” the release stated. “AREPT is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency and will not accept any gifts or favors that could compromise its impartiality.”
The AREPT release emphasized that the gift card, the value of which was not disclosed, has been returned to MDMC, assuring its commitment to pursuing justice and recovering assets that have been illegally acquired. ”We want to assure the public that this attempt at currying favor will not deter us from our mission,” the statement said. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption without fear or favor, regardless of the source.”
The Taskforce reiterated that it is not in the business of receiving gifts from the public, and any such gestures, particularly from parties under investigation or indictment, are viewed by AREPT as attempts at inducement and will not be tolerated under any circumstance. AREPT, established with the mandate to investigate, prosecute, and recover public assets that have been stolen or unlawfully acquired, clarified that its focus remains solely on fulfilling this core objective, not to exchange pleasantries or receive seasonal gestures.
By Joseph Sirleaf
