The Liberia National Police (LNP) has dismissed allegations of cocoa smuggling leveled against suspended Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) Deputy Director General for Operations and Technical Services, Alpha Godia Gongolee, and Zeno Industries.
The allegations were contained in a complaint reportedly signed by LACRA Board Chair Josephine George Francis and Acting Director General Dan Saryee. The complaint alleged that on February 17, 2025, Zeno Industries smuggled cocoa out of Liberia and that the operation was facilitated by Gongolee.
According to the police report, Josephine George Francis formally filed the complaint on April 23, 2026, alleging that Gongolee collaborated with Zeno Industries in the alleged smuggling scheme.
The investigation, which lasted nearly one month, involved extensive questioning of LACRA officials, representatives of Zeno Industries, and the review of relevant documents and records.
However, in a clearance issued on May 28, 2026, the Liberia National Police described the allegations as unfounded, stating that investigators found no evidence linking either Gongolee or Zeno Industries to cocoa smuggling activities.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, the police officially cleared and released both Gongolee and Zeno Industries from all allegations connected to the case.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the police clearance, Gongolee described the accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his professional standing.
He further alleged that his opposition to what he termed “bad administrative practices” within LACRA may have contributed to efforts aimed at removing him from the institution.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Zeno Industries, Antonio Zeno, said the allegations had negatively impacted his company’s operations and resulted in the loss of several business contracts.
Zeno stated that he intends to seek legal redress through the courts for damages he believes were caused to his company by the allegations.
The case has drawn significant public attention and intensified scrutiny of developments within LACRA, where reports of internal conflict surfaced in recent months.
Several allegations involving nepotism and favoritism have also emerged within the institution. Critics have accused Acting Director General Dan Saryee of appointing family members and close associates to senior positions with substantial salaries.
Among the allegations is the case of Obest Saryee, who is reportedly alleged to be the biological son of the Acting Director General. Sources claim that he earns a monthly salary of US$500, an amount reportedly higher than that of his immediate supervisor.
Dan Saryee has also been accused by some employees of removing more than 100 individuals from the institution’s payroll and replacing them with persons allegedly connected to him.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding Hasiphine Tarpeh, who is reportedly a dismissed Executive Protection Service (EPS) officer. Sources allege that despite accusations of misconduct, she continues to receive favorable treatment within the institution.
Reports have further alleged that while Gongolee was serving his suspension, Acting Director General Saryee appointed another individual to perform the duties of Deputy Director General for Operations and Technical Services and to sign sensitive institutional documents. Critics claim the move contributed to financial losses for the institution.
The police clearance of Gongolee and Zeno Industries has added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy within LACRA.
As public attention remains focused on the matter, many observers are now looking to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to determine what steps, if any, his administration will take to address the growing concerns surrounding the institution.
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