Published: June 19, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — Ding Li Jun, a major Chinese investor in the Chinese-Liberian owned Duke Global Investment Limited, has leveled serious accusations against National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly, claiming the port boss falsified legal documents to fraudulently implicate fellow Chinese businessman Yang Dan in a multimillion-dollar scam. Ding, speaking from China, alleges that Dukuly fabricated court filings in his name in an effort to shift blame amid an ongoing criminal investigation involving both men and over $8 million in disputed funds.
Yang Dan Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Chinese Investors
In early March, Yang Dan, 39, was arrested in Po River, Bomi County, after several Chinese nationals filed complaints accusing him of defrauding them of more than $4.5 million. According to the Liberia National Police (LNP), Dan allegedly posed as a company representative for Duke Global Investment and convinced investors to send money to his personal accounts under the pretense of selling ownership shares in the company.
Police investigators from the Financial Crimes Division said Dan—who reportedly holds a 37% stake in Duke Global—misrepresented himself as a decision-maker within the firm. Based on those representations, he allegedly received wire transfers totaling $4,581,031.85 from at least six Chinese investors, including Luo Wei, Bingli Guo, Chunmei Yin, Hong Yin, Wei Jing, and Lijun Ding.
Dan is currently facing prosecution at the Monrovia City Court for theft of property under Liberia’s penal code.
Dukuly Accused of Defrauding Yang Dan of $3.6 Million
In a dramatic turn of events, Dan’s legal team—J. Johnny Momoh & Associates—filed a criminal complaint with the LNP against NPA boss Sekou Dukuly. The complaint accuses Dukuly of defrauding Yang Dan of $3.6 million through a series of failed joint ventures, including the construction of a mineral water bottling plant and the launch of a mining company.
According to the filing, Yang covered all expenses related to Dukuly’s two-week visit to China in March 2023, where business plans were discussed. After returning to Liberia, Dukuly allegedly promised to contribute to the ventures but failed to follow through. Instead, Dan’s lawyers claim he wired $330,000 to Dukuly, which was misused on personal luxury items including electronics, vehicle parts, Rolex watches, designer fashion, and first-class travel.
Additionally, another $1.13 million was allegedly paid by Yang to secure mining licenses and operational permits, none of which materialized. When Yang demanded accountability in late 2024, the complaint alleges, Dukuly retaliated by encouraging Yang’s Chinese business associates to file a criminal complaint against him.
Investor Ding Li Jun Denies Lawsuit Against Dan, Accuses Dukuly of Forgery
Amid the escalating legal crossfire, Ding Li Jun—the key investor in Duke Global—has publicly refuted claims that he initiated legal action against Yang Dan. Speaking via live video interview with Liberian reporters on June 18, Ding said he was shocked to see his name attached to lawsuits and media reports accusing Dan of wrongdoing.
He claimed that during a 2023 visit by Dukuly and NPA officials to China, the Liberian port chief portrayed Dan as a fraudster and urged investors to sever ties. Trusting Dukuly’s account, Ding and other investors traveled to Liberia to investigate. Once there, Dan allegedly took them on site visits where they confirmed their investments were active and legitimate.
According to Ding, prior to returning to China, Dukuly brought them to a local law firm but no documents were signed. Later, Ding said, he was stunned to discover that a lawsuit had been filed in his name—an act he claims was done without his consent and with forged signatures.
“I never authorized any lawsuit against Mr. Dan,” Ding said. “Sekou Dukuly and his legal partners fabricated those court documents to cover up their own fraud. I was used.”
Breakdown in Communication with NPA Boss
Ding also described a complete breakdown in communication with Dukuly. He said that since confronting him via text messages, the NPA boss has stopped responding to calls and messages. In a June 11 exchange, Ding asked Dukuly to reimburse him for a gift he had purchased at Dukuly’s request. The only response he received was a curt “OK.”
“In my last message, I told him every businessperson must be transparent,” Ding said. “Dishonesty leads to consequences.”
He added that he no longer has confidence in Dukuly and will not engage in any future business with him.
Ding Vows to Present Evidence in Court
Ding told reporters that he is prepared to present documentation, messages, and financial records to prove his claims in court. Though currently handling affairs in China, he said he is willing to return to Liberia if summoned—or testify via live video if necessary.
“He has all the receipts, communications, and even voice notes with Dukuly,” his interpreter said. “He’s ready to defend himself and expose the truth.”
Business Deal Gone Wrong
According to the complaint filed by Yang’s lawyers, what began as a promising business relationship between the NPA boss and Chinese investors quickly unraveled. In addition to the failed mineral water plant and mining venture, the complaint claims that Dukuly convinced Yang to finance renovations on properties linked to him and to fund high-end purchases disguised as business expenses.
When Yang began to demand accountability, Dukuly allegedly engineered the false narrative that Yang had instead defrauded other Chinese investors, creating a smokescreen through forged legal actions and public scandal.
Now, both Dukuly and Dan are under investigation by the Liberia National Police. With lawsuits, counterclaims, and allegations of forgery and fraud mounting, the case is shaping up to be one of Liberia’s most tangled and high-profile financial scandals in years.
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