Bong County Representative Marvin Cole admitted how lawmakers have siphoned over US$20 million from the coffers of Guarantee Trust Bank (GT Bank).
With all the money, Cole disclosed how legislative staffers still earn US$75 in a monthly salary.
Earlier, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai described some of them: “They are criminals. …we know those benefits are squandered. The Executive cannot be used as a protectorate for criminals. This national budget cannot be used to suffocate Liberians.”
Pres. Boakai promised to prosecute “criminals” in spite of statuses.
“Look at this very Legislature, he continues: “We got individuals from here, who have used the national budget to amass wealth for themselves. These guys are criminals. Some have built condominiums all around. These people are criminals…I said Richard Koon to the last person. If Fallah is part of it, he is a criminal. If Richard Koon is part of it, he is a criminal. No, it is not only US$5 million that is not being accounted for.
Representative Taa Wongbe of Nimba County has spoken about the issue being a tip of the iceberg. “The House’s budget alone, they cannot account for US$4 million. Now, GT Bank is saying that we (lawmakers) owe them US$12 million. It is confirmed. This is credible information. How are we owing US$12 million? How come? I have already written GT Bank. They have to publish those records to see who all borrowed the US$12 million for us. We are not aware. The budget is being used as a tool to siphon money. Money Laundering is going on here. People are working here, and still making US$75 per month. Yet, we are talking about a budget of US$1.2 billion. The budget is being weaponized against the Liberian people.” Rep. Marvin Cole, District #3, Bong County.
While the Bank is yet to officially comment on the so-called borrowed US$12 million, our investigation continues.
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