Monrovia, Liberia – August 1, 2025 -The Monrovia City Court has issued an arrest order for American Leonard Wayne Kragness, accused of running a huge mineral fraud that cheated a foreign investor and the Liberian government out of about $4.8 billion.
Kragness, along with two Liberian nationals, Koisee L. N. Garmo II and Fahn Garmo, faces charges including criminal conspiracy, facilitation, forgery, and theft. These charges come from a complaint by foreign investor Fida Sardor Hussian, who claims the group faked documents and illegally took mineral rights from Sinoe Mining and Exploration Inc.
Court records show Kragness was supposed to file exploration licenses for the company but allegedly worked with lawyer Koisee Garmo to create fake ownership papers naming Kragness as the sole owner of Sinoe Mining. Prosecutors say this tricked international investors and cost Liberia important mining revenue.
One forged document was sent to Erwin Mulder, CEO of Ace Global B.V. in the Netherlands, falsely confirming Kragness’s ownership of Sinoe Mining. Using this fake claim, Kragness and his partners supposedly took control of three key mineral exploration blocks—Blocks 1, 2, and 3.
Investigators say this illegal takeover hurt Liberia’s economy badly. Experts estimate the fraud cost the government more than $4.8 billion in mineral assets and potential earnings, making it one of the biggest mineral frauds in Liberian history.
The complaint also says the defendants misused company funds, lied to stakeholders, and abused Liberia’s mineral licensing system. Prosecutors believe they acted deliberately to enrich themselves, leaving the investor and government at a loss.
Besides the investor’s loss, the Liberian government is treating the case as a serious economic matter. A senior justice official, who wished to remain anonymous, said the scale of the fraud shows the need for better mining sector oversight.
“This isn’t just about one investor losing money,” the official said. “It’s about billions in mineral wealth that should benefit the Liberian people but were stolen through a criminal scheme.”
Legal experts say this case could set an important example for how Liberia handles international mining fraud and disputes involving foreigners. If found guilty, the accused could face long prison sentences and be ordered to repay the stolen money.
The Monrovia City Court’s order demands Kragness’s immediate arrest. He is believed to still be in Liberia. Authorities are working with local and international agencies to make sure all involved are brought to justice.
The case is expected to attract a lot of attention both locally and abroad, given the huge amount of money involved and what it means for Liberia’s reputation as a place for foreign investment.
For Fida Sardor Hussian, who filed the complaint, this is not just about recovering losses but also pushing for more transparency in Liberia’s mining industry. “No investor should face this kind of fraud,” said a source close to Hussian, highlighting the risks international partners face in Liberia’s extractive sector.
The court will begin hearings soon, as the country watches closely to see how Liberia’s justice system handles one of its largest mineral fraud cases ever.
Courtesy: Front Page Africa
