Bopolu City – In a legal development, the Sixteen Judicial Circuit Court of Gbarpolu has granted a motion to transfer a high-profile case involving alleged economic sabotage and illegal mining activities to the 5th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Cape Mount County.
The motion for the change of venue was filed by the defense counsels on September 3, 2024, citing the challenges of securing an impartial trial given the intense scrutiny the case has received across social media, radio, and television platforms.
The court, presided over by Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh, noted the absence of objections from the county attorney’s office of Gbarpolu, which facilitated a swift decision in favor of the transfer.
In his ruling, Judge Wesseh emphasized the necessity of relocating the case to ensure a fair trial for the defendants.
In his ruling, he said that from the onset of this case, there have been discussions on social media, radio, TV, and within public settings concerning this case.
He rules that therefore, the need to transfer this case to another jurisdiction cannot be overemphasized.
Subsequently, on October 9, 2024, he ordered the clerk of court in Bopolu City to ensure that all relevant files or records, along with the defendants’ passports, be transferred to the 5th Judicial Circuit Court in Robertsport City.At the center of this case is Gao Feng, commonly known as “Barry” and referred to as “The Real Minister,” who, along with several associates, has been indicted for defrauding the Liberian government of approximately $38.8 million through illegal mining operations in the Belle Yallah region of Gbarpolu County.
The charges against Feng and his associates include economic sabotage, tax evasion, and criminal conspiracy, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing fight against corruption and illegal resource exploitation in Liberia.
As the case moves to Grand Cape Mount County, all eyes will be on the proceedings to see how the transfer impacts the judicial process and the defendants’ quest for justice.
