The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has issued a sweeping fourth indictment targeting seven individuals, including former Commerce Minister Mawine G. Diggs, in connection with the alleged diversion of more than US$1.8 million earmarked for rural women’s economic empowerment.
In a strongly worded statement, AREPT Chairperson Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin announced that the indictment, handed down by Criminal Court “C,” follows months of “meticulous, evidence-driven investigations” into what authorities describe as a coordinated scheme to misappropriate public funds intended for vulnerable Liberian women.
Those indicted face multiple charges, including theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy. Alongside Diggs, the indictment names Gudi J. N. Neufville, financial comptroller at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Joseph Yado Howe, former senior policy advisor; Kebeh Monger of the National Rural Women Structure of Liberia; Elizabeth Finda Sambulah of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA); Josephine Handful Greens; and Kemmoh Borbor, a cashier at the Ministry.
According to him, the case centers on a US$2 million allocation in the 2023 national budget for the “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program,” designed to fund the Rural Women Empowerment Fund.
Of that amount, the AREPT Chairperson said that US$1,819,469.43 was disbursed and placed under the control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He alleged that instead of reaching intended beneficiaries, rural women, farmers, and small business owners, the funds were deliberately diverted for personal gain by senior officials entrusted with managing the program.
“This is not a witch-hunt. Every indictment is grounded in credible, tangible evidence that clearly links the accused to acts of corruption and the theft of public assets,” Martin emphasized.
He further stressed that AREPT’s work remains independent and non-political, underscoring the Taskforce’s commitment to due process and transparency.
Cllr. Martin narrated that all accused individuals were invited to participate in the investigation with legal representation, in line with constitutional guarantees.
However, he stated that the indictment marks one of the most high-profile corruption cases in recent months, particularly given its direct impact on rural women’s economic initiatives, a sector often cited as critical to Liberia’s grassroots development. The AREPT chairperson warned that the case is only part of a broader crackdown, revealing that additional investigations into the theft and illegal transfer of government assets, both domestically and abroad, are ongoing. “We will pursue every stolen dollar, signaling intensified efforts to recover public funds and hold those responsible accountable,” Martin declared,
However, he disclosed that the case now moves to trial, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence detailing how funds meant to uplift Liberia’s most vulnerable entrepreneurs were allegedly siphoned off in a coordinated abuse of public trust.
