The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation into NOCAL CEO Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis over allegations of corruption, including financial mismanagement and unauthorized contracts. Key issues include suspicious vehicle procurement and misuse of funds meant for Corporate Social Responsibility. Dennis is expected to appear before the LACC to provide testimony and relevant documents regarding the ongoing investigations.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is investigating NOCAL CEO, Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct reported between July and December 2024. The LACC’s inquiry, informed by a letter dated February 4, 2025, outlines claims of fraud, mismanagement, and abuse of authority at the National Oil Company of Liberia.
Central to the investigation is Dennis’s approval for purchasing a luxury 2024 MG RX8 SUV for $75,000, despite its actual cost being $45,000. Allegations of a kickback scheme suggest that the extra $30,000 was funneled through the dealership, Cactus Motors, to Dennis’s private company, Tanti Group of Companies.
Further allegations include Dennis’s facilitation of a consultancy contract worth $585,000 with West Africa Geo-Services (WAGS), where $300,000 was allegedly improperly paid in violation of Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Act. This mismanagement reportedly extended to misusing funds aimed at Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to reward political supporters in her district.
The LACC’s communication invites Dennis to cooperate with the investigation and to provide relevant documentation. This request has garnered significant public attention due to Dennis’s combative responses to online criticism on social media, which included derogatory remarks toward concerned citizens.
A meeting with the LACC is set for February 6, 2025, where Dennis is expected to present information and documents supporting her testimony. The growing scrutiny surrounding her actions has drawn parallels to past financial misconduct cases within the Liberian government, notably the resignation of former Commerce Minister Amin Modad due to similar issues.
The LACC’s investigation into Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, head of the National Oil Company of Liberia, stems from a broader concern about accountability and transparency within government operations in Liberia. Following recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement at NOCAL, there is a heightened emphasis on ethical governance in managing the nation’s oil resources. The case exemplifies the challenges faced in combatting corruption in public institutions and underscores citizens’ expectations for integrity from their leaders.
The investigation into NOCAL’s CEO, Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, underscores significant concerns regarding corruption and accountability in Liberia’s management of public resources. The LACC’s inquiry, sparked by specific allegations of financial misconduct, emphasizes the need for transparency in governmental operations. This situation not only calls into question Dennis’s leadership abilities but also serves as a crucial moment in Liberia’s ongoing fight against corruption, urging public officials to uphold ethical practices in their duties.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
