—–As Court Orders Arrest
IPNEWS: Report reaching the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper, says mining cartel leaders and mastermind of unprecedented mining activities in Gbarpolu county, Gao Feng, known as “Barry” or “the Real Minister of Mines,” and other have fled Liberia, amidst arrest order by the 16th Judicial Circuit court in Gbarpolu county.
According to highly placed sources, the men with the aid of high-profile government officials (names withheld) escape the country late Thursday, July 18 afternoon through the Liberia-Guinea boarder leaving behind mining equipment, and other valuables.
The 16th Judicial Circuit Court has issued an arrest order for individuals involved in a major illicit mining operation in Gbarpolu County. Signed by Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh on July 18, 2024, this action addresses what is considered the largest mining scandal in Liberia’s history.
The case focuses on Gao Feng, known as “Barry” or “the Real Minister of Mines,” and associates like Li Yingjun, Zheng Yi, and Mo Hailong. They are charged with economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy, underscoring the seriousness of their alleged crimes.
The indictment from the Special Grand Jury of Gbarpolu County on July 11, 2024, highlights the extensive scale of the illegal mining. It’s the largest case since Liberia’s founding in 1847, reflecting the depth of criminal operations disguised as legitimate business.
Those ordered arrested by the County Sheriff include: Gao Feng aka Barry, Zheng Yi, Muntaga Barry, Randy Scott, and Li Yingjun, Zhuo Xianhe, Mrs. Zhang Chi, and Li Yingsong.
Others are: Qin Naizhen, Qin Guiyong, Li Jiadong, Shi Rongkang, Li Haode, Qin Yanqun, LiVingli, Li Zhongjie, Wei Mincai, Liu Lihua, Li Xiaoliang, Li Yongming, and Wei Dengmin.
The rest are: Huang Jinkang L Dejie, Zhou/halu, Lan Zubin, Shi Furong, Shi Ruquan, Randell Doe, Xia Shigang, Yan Yuhua, Meng Haiming, Luo Moudi, Huang Liuyong, Wu Huanbai, Money Man Jackson, and others to be identified.
They were charged with the Commissions of the Crimes of Economic Sabotage, Tax Evasion and Criminal Conspiracy, in the County of Gbarpolu, Republic of Liberia and have been on the run.
The arrest order mandated Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman officers of the LNP to arrest and detain detained under their custody the defendants until the next working day, when they shall be forwarded to the 16″ Judicial Circuit, Gbarpolu County, Bopolu City, to answer to the charges mentioned supra.
The ordered was issued and signed under the signature of the Clerk of the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarpolu County Emmanuel Worlubar.
Gao Feng, the man believed to be the ringleader of a mining cartel, who along with dozens of his co-conspirators was recently indicted by the government is still at large despite enormous efforts by security agents to have him arrested. Also on the run with him are a few of his co-conspirators.
Gao, also known as “Barry” and the alleged “real Minister of Mines”, and his cohorts were indicted by the Ministry of Justice last week for leading a massive illegal mining operation across the country. The indictment accuses Gao Feng and several associates, both Liberian and Chinese nationals, of economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy.
Barry and others, including Zheng Yi, Li YingJun, and Mo HaiLong, have since been on the run inspite of an arrest warrant issued by the government to have them apprehended.
Following complaints and heightened concerns regarding illegal mining activities, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, led by Minister Wilmot Paye, initiated investigations that resulted in targeted raids on Gao Feng’s mining sites in Gbarpolu County.
While seven associates were apprehended during these operations, Gao Feng and several others managed to evade capture. In response to the potential flight risk posed by Gao Feng and his associates, a writ of arrest has been issued alongside a travel ban to prevent their departure from the country.
A Ne Exeat Republica was ordered by the Judge of Stipendiary Magistrate at the Monrovia City Court, Temple of Justice, on July 10, 2024, prohibiting Gao Feng and his associate from leaving the jurisdiction of the Republic of Liberia.
The indictment outlines an illicit mining network allegedly spearheaded by Barry, which operated for a significant period, spanning six years. This operation reportedly utilized a large number of excavators and washing plants dispersed across various counties in Liberia.
The activities of this network are accused of resulting in a substantial loss estimated at over US$29 million in government revenue.
The focus of the indictment centers on their activities in Gbarpolu County, particularly concerning encroachments on licensed mining areas and disrupting legitimate mining operations conducted by NEO Global Mines and Minerals Inc.
However, the scale of the alleged operation and the targeting of a high-profile figure like Gao Feng suggest a new level of seriousness from the Liberian government.
While the government is making frantic efforts to ensure that Barry and his associates are arrested and brought to book, others believe that he is too powerful and could just be hard to handle.
Previously, the Environmental Protection Agency fined Gao Feng USD 135,000 for operating without permits. This action was just the start of uncovering the wider criminal enterprise.
Gao Feng and his associates allegedly orchestrated illegal mining activities generating over USD 29 million. Urban and Rural Services, Inc., led by Muntaga Barry, reportedly secured illegal earnings of USD 5.7 million through unauthorized mining on another company’s claim.
Scott Investment Incorporation, led by Randy Scott and Gao Feng, allegedly engaged in activities resulting in USD 5.3 million in illicit proceeds. These activities further encroached on established mining claims, escalating legal conflicts.
Xin Li Da Investment Development Ltd., represented by Zheng Yi, collaborated with Gao Feng to amass nearly USD 12.2 million. They used sophisticated equipment, highlighting the organized nature of their operations.
In June 2023, Scott Investment Incorporation, in partnership with Gao Feng, conducted mining without licenses, yielding USD 6.6 million in illegal proceeds in the Manokorlleh, Zalakai Mining District, reflecting a disregard for legal and environmental standards.
The court’s arrest order responds to these grave allegations. Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman is tasked with apprehending the suspects and ensuring their court appearance. Although six individuals are detained, the main figures remain elusive, prompting an urgent search.
