MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia’s Executive Protection Service (EPS) has disclosed the ongoing investigation into reports of financial discrepancies surrounding the institution’s Employees’ Development Fund.
In 2018, the EPS employees, with support from the current administration, set up the Fund where a deduction of twenty US Dollars from employee salary was deposited.
According to the EPS, the money was then given as loan to interested employees at a minimum interest rate.
Recently, the Fund’s Supervisor, James Hebb, allegedly withdrew over three hundred thousand U.S. Dollars from the account and absconded to Ghana.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday, November 30, 2023, EPS Director Trokon Roberts said: “The alleged financial malpractice was only revealed following an audit commissioned by my office.”
The EPR Boss noted that Mr. Hebb escaped the country following the audit implicating him in corruption.
According to him, the Liberia National Police, Minister of Justice, and Financial Intelligence Agency were immediately notified about the situation to arrest James Hebb who remains on the run.
Meanwhile, the police have acknowledged receipt of the case registered by the EPS.
Deputy Police Inspector General for Criminal Investigation, Col. Prince Mulbah, said: “The police have notified the Ghanaian Police about James Hebb’s presence in that country.”
Col. Mulbah said:” Interpol has also been duly informed about the situation and is exploring every security remedy for the possible repatriation of Mr. Hebb.”
He assured of the police’s commitment to pursuing the case to the logical conclusion and urged the EPS to make essential information available to assist with the investigation.
