MONROVIA: Chairman of the Assets Recovery and Properties team, Cllr. Edwin K. Martin, has announced to the Government of Liberia that the team will need US$1.9 million to jump start the process of recovering stolen assets of government.
Cllr. Martin made the pronouncement yesterday in Monrovia when he appeared as guest during the regular Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing.
Cllr. Martin revealed that a total of US$1.9 million is required to initiate the assets recovery process effectively and efficiently.
The assets recovery initiative, aimed at reclaiming assets linked to corruption and illicit activities, is a crucial step towards promoting accountability and transparency within the government.
Chairman Martin emphasized the importance of recovering assets acquired through unlawful means and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
During the press briefing, Cllr. Martin outlined the key objectives of the asset’s recovery initiative, highlighting the need to identify, trace, and recover assets that have been unlawfully obtained.
The allocation of US$1.9 million will enable the assets recovery team to conduct thorough investigations, engage in legal proceedings, and collaborate with relevant authorities to recover stolen assets.
The announcement, Chairman Martin said underscores the government’s commitment to combating corruption and strengthening governance processes.
He mentioned that assets recovery initiative is expected to play a vital role as it relates to serving as a deterrence to future acts of corruption, promoting integrity, and upholding the rule of law within the country.
In few days, the government is expected to kickstart the assets recovery initiative with the required funding.
Meanwhile, the chairman has given past government officials maximum ten days ultimatum to return all assets that were illegally obtained or they risk penalty for failure to comply with the team. Contributed By Elbie Sebleh