The Liberia National Police (LNP) announced Thursday that Reuben M. Sauser, a Technical Assistant assigned directly to the Office of the LWSC Managing Director, has been formally charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery, and Criminal Facilitation.
The Fraud Unravels
The investigation was triggered after the LWSC management, led by Managing Director Hon. Mohammed Ali, noticed a highly suspicious official letter sent from their offices to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document requested the urgent renewal of a state service passport.
Sensing foul play, the LWSC filed a formal complaint with the police, setting off a deep-dive criminal probe.
According to LNP investigators, Sauser allegedly drafted and transmitted the official request entirely behind the back of the Managing Director. To give the fraudulent letter an air of legitimacy, Sauser reportedly smuggled the corporation’s official stamp and forged Hon. Mohammed Ali’s personal signature.
The intended beneficiary of the forged document was Lucas Williams, a former LWSC contractor who has now been named as a co-defendant in the criminal case.
A Digital Paper Trail
Police say this wasn’t just a favor; it was a paid transaction. Detectives uncovered a digital paper trail showing that Williams sent a mobile money payment of L$56,600 (Liberian Dollars) directly to Sauser as compensation for orchestrating the scam.
The LNP stated that they have compiled a watertight case file against the duo. The evidence includes:
- Mobile money transaction ledgers tracking the bribe money
- Forensic analysis of the forged signature and official stamp
- Intercepted electronic communications between the suspects
- Formal witness statements
- Direct admissions made by Sauser during his interrogation
Legal Repercussions
Armed with the forensic and digital evidence, the LNP has charged Sauser under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia, specifically citing Section 10.4 (Criminal Conspiracy), Section 15.70(a) (Forgery), and Section 10.2 (Criminal Facilitation).
The police have officially transferred the case file to the judiciary, and the suspects are awaiting their first appearance in court.
In a statement issued by the LNP’s Press and Public Affairs division, the police force reiterated its hardline stance on public sector corruption:
“The Liberia National Police remains steadfast in its commitment to combating fraud, forgery, corruption, and other criminal activities that undermine the integrity of public institutions. The LNP assures the public that all allegations of criminal conduct will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on whether additional security measures will be implemented regarding the verification of service passport requests moving forward.
