Following its latest one year extension to continue its work by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force has sounded a strong warning to non compliant officials of government to desist or risk several legal consequences.
In s very strong worded statement, The Task Force makes it clear that no individual, past or present, will be allowed to disrupt vital national initiative as such anyone attempting to interfere with the recovery of stolen assets will face the full force of the law, it reemphasized.
According to the task force , The era of impunity is over. Those who think they can suppress evidence or manipulate the system to evade accountability will soon be held accountable.
The team used the ocassion to urge all government institutions and officials to fully cooperate by submitting the required records and documentation.
At the same time, it stated that the Task Force remains resolute in carrying out its mandate impartially, ensuring that those responsible for plundering national resources are held to account.
The latest move by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT)came following and observation of refusal as such the team has raised concerns over the deliberate refusal of certain current government officials to cooperate by withholding necessary documents and recorded information, thus hindering the pursuit of justice and accountability.
In a drive to in a timely manner and form address the situation, AREPT has issued a strong warning to those involved in these unlawful actions, urging them to immediately comply with Executive Order #145, which mandates government agencies to assist the task force in its efforts.
“The recovery of stolen assets is a national priority, and no official, regardless of their position or influence, will be allowed to undermine this critical mission. While the Task Force has refrained from publicly naming the specific ministries and agencies involved, it stresses that continued non-compliance will lead to full exposure and legal action”, the team stated.
AREPT at the same time reminds all officials that its authority is bolstered by Executive Order No. 145, recently signed by President Joseph N. Boakai, which extends the provisions of Executive Order No. 126.
Among other things, Said order grants AREPT the legal power to investigate, recover, and return public assets unlawfully taken from the government.
However, AREPT stressed that it is troubled that some current officials are allegedly and intentionally withholding records of public assets—an act, it stated is not only obstructing justice but also shielding corrupt activities.
