MONROVIA – The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has confirmed the authenticity of a letter addressed to Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, former Chief of Protocol to ex-President George Manneh Weah, which was recently leaked to the public. The Taskforce says the “premature and unauthorized” release of the document was an intentional move aimed at manipulating public opinion and fueling a false narrative of political witch-hunting.
By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh
In a statement issued, AREPT said the letter, officially stamped and dispatched through secured channels, was leaked in a manner it described as “deliberate.” It suspects the leak came either from Madam Bundoo herself or someone within her inner circle.
“We have strong reason to believe that this document was leaked by the recipient or someone close to her, as the original version bears distinct features unique to our secured communications,” the statement noted.
While Madam Bundoo has drawn considerable public attention in the wake of the letter, AREPT clarified that she is by no means the only individual under investigation. The Taskforce, chaired by Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin is nearing the conclusion of 17 major corruption-related cases. Investigations into an additional nine cases are currently underway, bringing the total number of active probes to 26.
“These cases cut across various sectors and involve both current and former government officials suspected of misappropriating public funds and assets,” the statement added.
AREPT emphasized that an invitation for questioning does not suggest guilt. “This process is strictly intended to afford due process to persons of interest in our investigations. If exonerated, AREPT has no authority to pursue further action against such individuals.”
The Taskforce revealed that over 15 current and former government officials have already appeared before its investigators, with none of those engagements resulting in leaked information.
The statement called on all individuals invited for questioning to cooperate professionally and respect the confidentiality of official communications. The Taskforce also urged the media to act responsibly and avoid sensationalizing ongoing investigations.
“Transparency remains a cornerstone of our operations, but the integrity of these investigations must be protected to ensure due process and meaningful accountability,” the statement said.
AREPT reaffirmed its commitment to retrieving stolen assets and restoring public trust in government, particularly in a country where widespread corruption has been blamed for deepening poverty amid abundant natural wealth.
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