Liberia National Police: 60+ Foreign Nationals Arrested for Cybercrime

• Liberian police arrested 60-70 foreign nationals, many Chinese, in a major cybercrime and counterfeiting investigation.
• Coordinated raids seized over 200 mobile phones, 50 computers, and more than $1.3 million in suspected counterfeit US currency.
• The Liberia National Police is seeking assistance from Chinese authorities for communication and from the FBI for digital evidence analysis.
• The investigation, which followed months of surveillance, may involve transnational criminal networks and economic sabotage.
• Police emphasized that the probe will proceed under Liberian law, irrespective of political connections or influence.

The ongoing investigation is exploring potential transnational criminal activities, with authorities suggesting that some alleged targets of these operations might be situated beyond Liberia's borders.

The Liberia National Police (LNP) has apprehended between 60 and 70 foreign nationals, a significant portion of whom are Chinese citizens, as part of an extensive investigation into alleged cybercrime, counterfeiting, and other illicit activities. Inspector General of Police Gregory O. W. Coleman publicly announced these arrests on Thursday during a press briefing held by the Ministry of Information in Monrovia. The operation also led to the confiscation of various electronic devices, suspected counterfeit United States currency, and other materials during a series of coordinated raids.

These arrests were the culmination of several months of meticulous surveillance and intelligence gathering conducted by a joint national security task force. This team had been investigating suspected criminal enterprises operating across multiple locations. Law enforcement officials executed search and seizure warrants at three distinct sites situated in the Rehab, SDK, and Baptist Seminary communities, after initial findings directed investigators to these additional premises.

During the raids, security personnel seized a substantial amount of evidence, including more than 200 mobile phones, over 50 computers, internet connectivity equipment, storage devices, and other electronic paraphernalia deemed pertinent to the ongoing inquiry. Notably, some of the confiscated mobile phones were found to contain numerous applications and WhatsApp accounts, with certain devices reportedly hosting up to 20 individual WhatsApp profiles. Authorities also recovered over US$2,000 in cash, various precious minerals, and what police estimate to be more than US$1.3 million in suspected counterfeit United States currency.

Investigators are currently scrutinizing the recovered materials to ascertain the precise nature and full extent of the suspected operations, as well as to determine whether the detained individuals are part of a larger criminal network. The range of suspected offenses under investigation includes cybercrime, forgery, counterfeiting, and economic sabotage, among others.

Given that a considerable number of those arrested are Chinese nationals, the Liberian government has formally requested assistance from Chinese authorities. This international cooperation is intended to help overcome potential language barriers and facilitate effective communication throughout the investigative process. Furthermore, the LNP has sought technical expertise from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to aid in the sophisticated analysis of the digital evidence collected during the recent raids.

Both the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labor were officially apprised of the operation. It was revealed that the Ministry of Labor had previously attempted to conduct a routine inspection at one of the targeted locations but encountered resistance, which subsequently prompted a request for law enforcement intervention. Inspector General Coleman clarified that this particular location was already under security surveillance as part of the broader, ongoing investigation.

The ongoing investigation is exploring potential transnational criminal activities, with authorities suggesting that some alleged targets of these operations might be situated beyond Liberia's borders. However, Inspector General Coleman cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the full scope of the suspected network, emphasizing the critical need for investigators to establish all facts through a thorough examination of the evidence.

Coleman assured the public that the investigation would be conducted strictly in accordance with Liberian law and urged citizens to maintain calm while security authorities continue their work. He underscored the LNP's unwavering commitment to pursuing suspected criminal activities, irrespective of the political affiliations, connections, or influence of those involved.

This firm stance highlights the Liberian government's dedication to upholding the rule of law and addressing serious offenses that could undermine national security and economic stability, particularly those involving foreign nationals and complex digital components.

Lawyers advising foreign clients operating in Liberia should be aware of heightened law enforcement scrutiny on foreign nationals and potential involvement in cybercrime, counterfeiting, or economic sabotage, particularly given the LNP's willingness to seek international assistance (China, FBI) for investigations involving digital evidence and transnational elements. Compliance officers should review their clients' operations for vulnerabilities related to digital activities and ensure full cooperation with local authorities, as resistance to inspections can escalate to broader investigations.

Source: Reporting based on official statements from the Liberia National Police.