Liberia Charges Chinese Nationals With Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion, Criminal Conspiracy In Major Mining Cartel Bust

Liberian prosecutors have charged several Chinese nationals with economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy after busting a significant mining cartel.

The case is in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarpolu County, western Liberia, with Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh presiding.

Prosecutors alleged that the accused used their exploration licences granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) to conduct illegal mining operations with four excavators and three washing plants. This equipment was supposedly provided by Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., in collaboration with defendants Zhuo Xian He and Mrs. Zhang Chi.

Prosecutors said about six of the accused Chinese nationals were arrested following the indictment, and an arrest warrant was issued against them. They are currently detained in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, awaiting trial, while others are still being arrested.

Some defendants include Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, and Zheng Yi, Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry, and Scott Investment Incorporation, represented by Randy Scott.

Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd. is represented by Li Yingjun, Gao Feng (also known as Barry), and Mo Hailong. It is affiliated with Zhuo Xian He, Mrs. Zhang Chi, Li Ying Song, and Qin Nai Zhen.

Also indicted are Huang Jin Kang, Li Dejie, Zhou Jia Lu, Lan Zu Bin, Shi Fu Rong, Shi Ru Quan, and Randell & Oretha S. Doe.

Additional defendants include Multipurpose Company, represented by Randell Doe and Xia Shi Gang, affiliated with Yan Yu Hua, Meng Hai Ming, Luo Mou Di, Huang Liu Yong, Wu Huan Bai, and Money Man Jackson.

The particular grand jurors for Gbarpolu stated that in March 2023, the defendants conspired to commit economic sabotage, a serious felony. They allegedly encroached on NEO Global Mines & Minerals Incorporated’s exploration area in Belle Yallah, Belle Mining District, violating the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000, causing the Government of Liberia several million United States dollars in losses.

Moreover, as accessed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy under Mineral and Mining Law of 2000 Section 22.2 and Section 22.3., the illegal proceeds generated by the Defendants as the consequence of illicit activities is equivalent to US$12,204,672.00, the indictment, as quoted by The New Dawn, stated.

The indictment said that in March 2023, co-defendant Randell & Oretha S. Doe Multipurpose Company and its representatives used exploration licences and participated in illegal mining with nine excavators and six washing plants outside their licenced area, generating an estimated $18,124,923.60 in illicit proceeds.

In 2022, Money Man Jackson allegedly participated in illegal mining with one excavator without any mining licence, generating an estimated $777,666.00 in illicit proceeds.

Liberia has rich mineral deposits, including iron ore, gold, and diamonds, but illegal mining, due to weak mining laws and poor monitoring, is a significant challenge. This undermines government revenue and causes environmental issues.

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