By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA–The Government of Liberia has highlighted growing concerns over human trafficking, transnational scam operations, and fraudulent recruitment activities affecting Liberians and other nationals across the region.
Deputy Minister Daniel Sando, quoting officials of Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiative (LATSIVSI) at the Ministry of Information, said stronger national and international collaboration is urgently needed to combat trafficking and scam-related activities.
Sando explained that the organization’s work is centered around four major pillars, including prevention, protection, prosecution and justice, and partnership.
He said prevention remains a critical component of the fight against human trafficking and scam-related activities, with efforts focused on stopping trafficking before individuals become victims.
Sando explained that the protection component seeks to safeguard victims, restore their dignity, and ensure that individuals affected by trafficking receive safety, support, and respect.
On prosecution and justice, he said perpetrators must be held accountable through the justice system, while victims must be protected throughout the legal process.
He also emphasized the importance of partnerships, noting that the fight against trafficking and scams cannot be handled by one institution alone.
According to information presented by Deputy Minister Sando, LATSIVSI has been working with government institutions, national organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in combating trafficking and scam-related activities.
He disclosed that the organization recently supported the rescue of a Nigerian national who was reportedly trafficked in Liberia. The organization, he said, contacted the Nigerian Embassy and worked with relevant authorities while the case remained under investigation.
Sando further disclosed that the organization supported the rescue and return of two Liberian nationals from Sierra Leone who were allegedly involved in trafficking and scam-related activities.
According to him, ten suspects were also turned over to the Liberia National Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said the organization has continued to raise public awareness about human trafficking, including a case in July involving 57 alleged victims, which he described as one of the largest human trafficking cases reported in Liberia.
Sando said the case was facilitated in collaboration with government authorities and resulted in the prosecution of individuals linked to the alleged trafficking operation.
He further disclosed that persons involved in the case were sentenced to 50 years in prison, describing the outcome as an important deterrent in the fight against human trafficking.
The Deputy Minister said Liberians continue to be targeted through fraudulent job offers, scholarship opportunities, travel arrangements, and sports opportunities.
He warned that some victims have reportedly been trafficked to countries including Nigeria, Cambodia, The Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea.
Sando said LATSIVSI recently communicated with the Nigerian Immigration Service in Abuja concerning Liberians who were reportedly trafficked.
According to him, following intervention by Nigerian immigration authorities, some individuals were arrested, while one person remains in the custody of Nigerian immigration authorities.
He called on the Liberian Government to work toward having such individuals returned to Liberia, where they could face prosecution in accordance with Liberian law, where appropriate.
On scam-related cases, Sando disclosed that the organization has recorded more than 52 alleged victims, including Liberians in Nigeria and other locations.
He appealed to the Government of Liberia to intervene and assist with efforts to bring affected victims back home.
Despite limited resources, Sando said LATSIVSI continues to provide victim support, case management, community awareness, and assistance with cross-border rescue operations.
He called on the Government of Liberia, law enforcement agencies, ECOWAS, international partners, civil society organizations, and the public to strengthen cooperation in preventing trafficking and protecting victims.
Sando also urged authorities to ensure that suspected perpetrators are properly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with due process.
He cautioned members of the public to verify employment, scholarship, travel, and sports opportunities before making payments or sharing personal information.
The Deputy Minister encouraged anyone who suspects fraudulent recruitment or trafficking activities to report the matter immediately to the Liberia National Police, relevant government authorities, LATSIVSI, or its hotline.
He also acknowledged the organization’s partnership with the Liberia National Police, the Women’s Protection Agency, and other stakeholders working to combat trafficking, irregular migration, and scam-related activities.
Sando appealed for additional financial and logistical support to strengthen the organization’s operations across Liberia, noting that many Liberians continue to face trafficking and scam-related risks.
He also highlighted a case involving one of the organization’s staff members who, according to the information presented, is currently in Asia and needs assistance returning to Liberia from Cambodia.
The Deputy Minister encouraged Liberians to exercise greater caution when receiving opportunities online, particularly those involving employment, travel, scholarships, and other offers that appear attractive or require immediate payment.
He warned citizens against desperation to travel and urged them to conduct proper checks before accepting unverified opportunities.
Don’t be desperate when you see an opportunity,” Sando cautioned, urging Liberians to verify information before committing themselves.
He encouraged citizens to share verified information with family members, friends, and communities to help prevent more young people from falling victim to trafficking and scam operations.
Sando concluded by stressing that combating human trafficking and transnational scams requires a collective effort involving government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, communities, and individual citizens.
He said greater public awareness, stronger law enforcement, victim protection, cross-border cooperation, and adequate resources are necessary to protect Liberians and prevent young people from becoming victims of trafficking and scam-related activities.
The organization encouraged the public to report suspected trafficking or scam activities through its hotline at 0881-824711.
About The Author
