The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) has expressed shock and strong disapproval over the receipt of a Christmas and New Year gift card sent to its office by the Modern Development and Management Cooperation (MDMC), a company currently indicted by the Taskforce for alleged acts of corruption.
Since its establishment nearly two years ago, AREPT has never received gifts, cards, or seasonal greetings from MDMC or any other institution under investigation or indictment. It is therefore deeply concerning that MDMC, acting through its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John S. Youboty Sr., who is being held to account for corruption-related charges, would attempt to initiate such contact while the matter remains before the courts.
AREPT has considered this action as improper and unacceptable attempt as inducement, and an effort to establish cordiality with the Taskforce by an accused institution whose case is pending judicial determination. The conduct, AREPT said, undermines the integrity of the legal process and violates basic principles of accountability and ethical engagement.
Accordingly, the Christmas and New Year gift card has been formally returned to MDMC, and the company has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to state reasons for such a violation when officials by and through the company had been indicted for corruption awaiting court proceedings.
The Taskforce has reiterated that it is not in the business of receiving gifts from the public, noting that any such gestures, particularly from parties under investigation or indictment are viewed by AREPT as attempts of inducement and will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
“AREPT was not established to exchange pleasantries or receive seasonal gestures. Its sole and fundamental mandate is to investigate, prosecute, and recover public assets stolen or unlawfully acquired, in strict accordance with the laws of Liberia,” the Taskforce has noted.
The Taskforce has therefore issued a clear and final warning to MDMC, and all other indicted persons or institutions, those under investigation, and the general public that any further attempt to provide gifts, cards, or inducements to AREPT or its officials will result in immediate legal action.
AREPT said it remains resolute, independent, and uncompromising in the discharge of its mandate and will continue to act in the best interest of the Liberian people. DN- News Liberia