Published: October 7, 2026
MONROVIA — Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor allegedly maintained financial contacts with individuals prosecutors identify as members of an international cocaine-trafficking network, receiving US$15,000 and later seeking additional financial assistance, according to allegations contained in an indictment before Criminal Court “C.”
The indictment alleges that Howard-Taylor communicated through Sheik Bashiru Kante, whom prosecutors describe as an intermediary between her and Nikola Ivancic, identified in the charging document as an alleged leader of the cocaine-trafficking network.
Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 31, 2026, Howard-Taylor sent a series of WhatsApp audio messages to Kante asking him to contact Ivancic and others for financial assistance.
“You know things are really crazy on our end to see if they can send me some more help. I really appreciate it,” Howard-Taylor allegedly said in one of the recordings cited in the indictment.
She allegedly followed up: “So please ask Nicholas if he could send me some help.”
According to the indictment, Howard-Taylor later acknowledged receiving US$15,000, which prosecutors allege she understood had been provided through Ivancic.
The former vice president allegedly thanked Kante for the money and discussed difficulties meeting school expenses. Prosecutors further allege that she subsequently sought about US$60,000, saying the money would help her get everyone in school.
Prosecutors cite the communications as part of their case alleging an ongoing financial relationship between Howard-Taylor and members of the suspected network.
The indictment goes further, alleging that some discussions involved possible financing for political activities, including party conventions, campaign organization, transportation, campaign materials and activities across Liberia’s 15 counties.
According to prosecutors, Howard-Taylor asked Kante to communicate her financial needs to Ivancic and other associates.
“We just need to do this thing the quiet way…that will make it easier to do,” she allegedly told Kante.
The indictment also attributes to Howard-Taylor a discussion about putting money into legitimate businesses.
“Once you start from somewhere, you put it into legitimate business that you take it from one day,” she allegedly said.
Prosecutors contend that the statements form part of evidence relevant to their money-laundering allegations. Whether the statements carry the meaning prosecutors attribute to them, however, would be subject to determination by the court.
The indictment traces Howard-Taylor’s alleged contacts with members of the suspected network to at least 2021.
According to prosecutors, Kante introduced two individuals identified only as “Michael” and “Tony” to Howard-Taylor at her residence in the Sophie Community area of Congo Town.
The indictment alleges that the two men told Howard-Taylor they wanted to conduct business in Liberia and sought security protection for their activities. Prosecutors allege that she agreed to provide the requested protection.
In November 2021, according to the indictment, Howard-Taylor traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of a five-member delegation that allegedly included Kante, Nowu Howard and Bernice Taylor.
Prosecutors allege the trip was facilitated by Michael and Tony and that a meeting was later held at the H Hotel along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The indictment says the meeting involved Howard-Taylor, Ivancic, Kante, Michael, Tony and a person identified as “Dejan,” described in the document as a Russian national.
Prosecutors allege the meeting concerned an arrangement to traffic cocaine through Liberia.
The indictment further alleges that Ivancic sought Howard-Taylor’s assistance in providing high-level governmental protection for the alleged operation.
According to prosecutors, Ivancic represented that cocaine would transit Liberia without being distributed on the Liberian market and would not be shipped to the United States or its allies.
The indictment also alleges that approximately US$75,000 was provided to Howard-Taylor and her Starfish Foundation in exchange for protection of the alleged trafficking operation.
Prosecutors claim Howard-Taylor knowingly conspired with Ivancic, Kante, Michael, Tony and others to use her position as vice president to protect the alleged enterprise.
The alleged operation, according to the indictment, involved importing narcotics into Liberia, including through canoes, storing and transporting the drugs before exporting them to international markets.
Prosecutors allege Liberia was intended primarily as a transit point for the cocaine.
The Republic is also relying on Howard-Taylor’s alleged receipt and handling of money as part of its money-laundering case.
The indictment alleges that Howard-Taylor knew, or had reason to know or suspect, that money she allegedly received represented proceeds of criminal activity.
Prosecutors contend that her alleged receipt, possession, use or handling of the funds constitutes conduct punishable under Liberia’s anti-money laundering law.
The indictment also cites additional recorded communications in which Howard-Taylor allegedly discussed percentages and financial arrangements with Kante.
“My percentage is set in stone. I’m not playing that game again,” she allegedly said.
“I am adding mine to yours so how will you not get yours,” another statement attributed to her reads.
Prosecutors are presenting those statements as evidence of what they allege was a financial arrangement involving Howard-Taylor, Kante and others named in the indictment.
The allegations place several issues before the court, including the authenticity and context of the cited WhatsApp recordings, the identities and roles of “Michael” and “Tony,” the alleged US$75,000 payment involving Howard-Taylor and the Starfish Foundation, the source of the alleged US$15,000 payment and whether the transactions can be established as proceeds connected to narcotics trafficking.
Prosecutors will also have to prove their allegations against Howard-Taylor beyond a reasonable doubt, including the required elements of the charged offenses and her alleged knowledge and participation.
The claims contained in the indictment are accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Howard-Taylor is presumed innocent unless and until convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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