Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press:
Welcome to the offices of AREPT.
Over the past several months—specifically since November 5, 2025—AREPT has not issued a report concerning indictments and investigations into the theft of Government of Liberia assets and acts of corruption. This should not be interpreted as ineffectiveness. Rather, it reflects our commitment to a thorough, systematic analysis of facts and the careful establishment of credible and prudent evidence regarding allegations of public asset theft.
At this time, AREPT wishes to address certain misconceptions. Investigations into corruption and asset recovery are not driven by hearsay or assumptions. The culpability of defendants is determined by the weight of credible evidence, not speculation.
In conducting its investigations, AREPT has remained meticulous, ensuring that all facts and evidence are accurate, tangible, and sufficient to establish a clear link between the accused and the crimes under investigation.
AREPT assures the public that it remains independent in all its investigative processes and will not deviate from principles of impartiality and due process. Furthermore, AREPT emphasizes that its functions are not political in nature. It operates strictly within its legal mandate to ensure that all investigations are conducted with transparency and precision.
AREPT also reiterates that there will be no witch-hunt. All individuals indicted are done so based on evidence establishing their involvement in the theft or misappropriation of public assets.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press:
AREPT has convened this briefing to formally inform you that Criminal Court “C” has issued AREPT’s fourth indictment. The following individuals have been indicted on charges including theft of property, economic sabotage (misuse of public money, property, or records), misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy:
- Mawine G. Diggs, Former Minister of Commerce and Industry
- Gudi J. N. Neufville, Financial Comptroller, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Joseph Yado Howe, Former Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Kebeh Monger, President, National Rural Women Structure of Liberia
- Elizabeth Finda Sambulah, President, Liberia Marketing Association (LMA)
- Josephine Handful Greens, Former Secretary General, National Rural Women Structure of Liberia
- Kemmoh Borbor, Cashier, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Summary of Facts:
During the 2023 fiscal year, the Government of Liberia appropriated US$2,000,000.00 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the “Vulnerable Small Business Support Program,” intended to implement the Rural Women Empowerment Fund.
Evidence shows that US$1,819,469.43 was subsequently allotted and disbursed to the Ministry for this purpose. These funds were deposited into accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia and were managed and controlled by former Minister Mawine G. Diggs and other officials.
The funds were intended to support rural women empowerment initiatives, including assistance to farmers, marketers, village savings and loan groups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of improving the livelihoods of Liberian entrepreneurs.
However, investigations uncovered that co-defendants—including Mawine G. Diggs, Gudi Neufville, and others—diverted these funds from their intended purpose, with criminal intent, thereby depriving the intended beneficiaries and diverting same to their personal benefits.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press:
All defendants were afforded due process. They were formally invited to participate in the investigation alongside their legal counsel and were granted all rights consistent with Article 20(a) of the 1986 Constitution, which states:
“No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege, or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provisions laid down in this Constitution and in accordance with due process of law…………..”
Conclusion:
AREPT reiterates that additional cases involving the conversion and theft of public assets remain under active investigation. We assure the public and the press that no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth. All stolen, converted, or illegally transferred Government of Liberia assets—including those held in foreign jurisdictions—will be diligently pursued.
Thank you.
