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Several Chinese companies operating in the mining sector face economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy charges.
Monrovia, July 13, 2024: Liberian prosecutors have indicted several Chinese nationals for economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy following a major bust of a mining cartel.
The case is before the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, which is presided over by Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh, in Gbarpolu County, western Liberia.
The indictees are accused of using Prospecting Licenses to conduct illicit mining with four excavators and three washing plants.
The equipment was allegedly provided by co-defendant Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd., represented by Li Ying Jun and Li Ying Jun, affiliate with defendants Zhuo Xian He and Mrs. Zhang Chi.
So far, prosecutors say about six of the indicted Chinese nationals were arrested following the indictment, and a writ of arrest was issued against them.
They are being detained in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, awaiting the court’s trial, while others are being picked up.
The long list of defendants includes Xin Li Da Investment Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, and Zheng Yi, Urban & Rural Services, Inc., represented by Muntaga Barry, Scott Investment Incorporation, represented by Randy Scott.
Liberia Xian Shi Development Co., Ltd. is represented by Li Yingjun, Gao Feng, aka Barry, commonly known as “the Real Minister,” and Mo Hailong. It is affiliated with Zhuo Xian He, Mrs. Zhang Chi, Li Ying Song, and Qin Nai Zhen.
Others are Qin Gui Yong, Li Jia Dong, Shi Rong Kang, Li Hao De, Qin YanQun, Li Ying Li, Li Zhong Jie, Wei Min Cai, Liu Li Hua, Li Xiao Liang, Li Yong Ming, and Wei Deng Min.
Listed in the indicted are also defendants Huang Jin Kang, Li Dejie, Zhou Jia Lu, Lan Zu Bin, Shi Fu Rong, Shi Ru Quan, Randell & Oretha S. Doe.
The rest of the indictees are 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 special grand jurors for Gbarpolu said during March 2023, the defendants conspired and colluded to commit economic sabotage, a felony of the first degree.
They alleged that it encroached on NEO Global Mines & Minerals Incorporated’s exploration license claim within Belle Yallah, Belle Mining District.
They allegedly violated provisions of the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000 and generated estimated illegal proceeds equivalent to US$5,744,294.40.
“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 [estimate] of [its] illegal proceeds generated by the Defendants as the consequence of [these] illegal activities is equivalent to US$12,204,672.00,” the indictment added.
During the period on March 2023, the indictment said co-defendant Randell & Oretha S. Doe Multipurpose Company and its representatives used exploration licenses and participated in the conduct of illicit mining with nine excavators and six washing plants.
They allegedly conducted illicit mining outside the license-granted area, violating the Mineral and Mining Law 2000. Prosecutors estimated that the illegal proceeds generated by the defendants were equivalent to US$18,124,923.60.
In 2022, the indictment said Money Man Jackson participated in illicit mining with one excavator in cohort with others to be identified without any Mining License.
The indictment said the accused violated violating the Mineral and Mining Act of 2000, and the estimate of the illegal proceeds generated by the defendant was equated to US$777,666.00. -edited by Othello B. Garblah
