Forensic experts from FTI conclude asset recovery assessment in Liberia
Two senior forensic specialists from FTI Consulting have concluded their two-week assessment of Liberia’s asset recovery systems, marking a milestone in the Boakai administration’s drive to tackle corruption and reclaim misappropriated public assets.
The experts – Andrew Durant and Wayne Anthony – departed Liberia after a series of high-level engagements with key governance, financial and justice institutions, leaving behind an assessment that aims to strengthen the foundation for the nation’s asset recovery operations.
Liberia continues to experience challenges with financial mismanagement, leading to past struggles in asset recovery efforts that were often sluggish and inefficient. The involvement of FTI Consulting indicates a fresh commitment to transparency and accountability.
Their visit was part of broader efforts under Executive Order Number 145, which empowers the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT to investigate, trace and recover both liquid and fixed assets misappropriated by present and former officials.
As the consultants return to the United Kingdom, the government says their contribution has significantly strengthened the country’s asset tracing framework.
President Joseph Boakai commended the experts for their contribution, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and restoring integrity to public service. The President expressed gratitude for their work and urged AREPT to continue operating within the confines of the law as the process moves forward.
During their assessment, Durant and Anthony met with a wide range of national institutions, including the Governance Commission, the Auditor General, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Reflecting on the mission, Durant reiterated the firm’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts. “We were here to support Liberia’s efforts in tracing and recovering assets lost through illicit means. Our initial assessment has given us valuable insight into where we can provide technical expertise to strengthen the recovery process,” he said.
Anthony meanwhile highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration and expressed confidence in Liberia’s determination to reform its asset recovery architecture.
“The collaboration with these experts reinforces the government’s determination to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices. Their expertise has been invaluable in strengthening our asset recovery initiatives,” remarked AREPT Chairperson Edwin Kla Martin.
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan also praised the collaboration, describing it as a clear demonstration of Liberia’s commitment to restoring public confidence. He emphasised that the success of the initiative will have a direct impact on ordinary Liberians. “The impoverished citizens are eager for the government to recover stolen wealth,” he noted.
