Monrovia, Liberia – Nearly 300 people were taken into custody yesterday at the World Trade Center on Gurley Street, Central Monrovia, in what authorities describe as one of the largest fraud crackdowns in recent years. The arrests stem from an extensive investigation into multiple criminal offenses, including forgery, theft, and impersonation.
The sweep followed a search warrant issued by Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco on August 4, 2025, and executed on August 11. The warrant authorized officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) to search the Business Desk Spot inside the World Trade Center and seize electronic devices linked to the suspects.
According to court documents, the investigation centers on falsified documents impacting universities, government and private institutions, high schools, police clearance certificates, travel documents, official stamps and seals, and even court records.
Named in the writ were several individuals, including Momo Kaidii, Edwin W. Tuolay, Thomas Wesseh, Josephine David, Sam Karyah, Sami King, Prince Uthreach, and a man identified only as David. Authorities say more suspects are yet to be identified.
Police sources told reporters that the operation began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until 6:00 p.m. Mustapha Niceguy, a worker at the World Trade Center, said everyone present at the time—including juveniles—was detained. “It was a long day. They took all of us, even the children who were here,” he recounted.
Alongside the arrests, investigators confiscated desktop computers and other electronic devices for forensic analysis. Officials say these materials will be examined to trace the full extent of the alleged criminal network.
The LNP has yet to announce formal charges for the majority of those detained, but sources within the force indicate the probe is ongoing and more arrests could follow.
