Published: February 27, 2026
Menson Z. Kotee, one of the two being prosecuted
By Henry N. Kolenky
Harper City, Maryland County – The Harper City Court has granted a temporary grace period to two health workers accused of involvement in an investment fraud scheme valued at over US$79,730.00.
The case stems from a formal complaint filed on February 14, 2026, with the Liberia National Police Maryland County Detachment. The complaint alleged that approximately 73 individuals were defrauded in an investment scheme operating under the name Wealth Sharing Investment Group (WS).
In complete contravention to section 15.50, 15.56, 10.14, 15.73, paragraph A&B section 3.4 paragraphs 2 & money laundering of the new Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia, the charge sheet contains.
Following a police investigation, defendants Menson Z. Kotee and Comfort Smith were formally charged and forwarded to court for prosecution. According to the police charge sheet, the defendants allegedly organized an indoor promotional event in Harper City in October 2025.
During the event, participants were reportedly provided with branded face caps and T-shirts and introduced to what was presented as a legally registered investment entity. Prosecutors allege that attendees were encouraged to invest amounts ranging from US$350 to US$500.00, with promises of profit based on capital contributions.
Approximately 73 individuals reportedly registered and contributed a combined total of US$79,730.00.
Comfort Smith, one of the two being prosecuted
The complainants alleged that payments were made in cash and through mobile numbers provided during the program, but that investors have since been unable to access either their principal or any promised returns. The defendants have denied the allegations.
During police questioning, the two accused maintained that they did not personally collect money from investors and did not commit to compensating anyone in the event the program failed. They asserted that participation in the scheme was voluntary and intended as an opportunity for economic improvement, not deception.
Police charged the defendants with multiple offenses under Liberia’s Penal Law, including fraud, obtaining money under false pretense, financial exploitation, and alleged violations of provisions of the New Penal Code relating to economic crimes.
When the matter was called before the Harper City Court, defense counsel requested additional time to correct deficiencies in the criminal appearance bond filed on behalf of the defendants. The prosecution opposed the request and urged the court to deny the application, arguing that the defendants should be detained to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court acknowledged that while a bond had been submitted, it did not meet the full legal requirements. The defense subsequently requested a 24-hour grace period to rectify the bond in compliance with the law.
In its ruling, the court granted the defense until today, Friday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. to perfect the bond. The court ordered that failure to meet the bond requirements within the stipulated time frame would result in the defendants’ incarceration in keeping with law.
The court further noted that the matter falls within the circuit court’s jurisdiction, which will ultimately determine the adequacy of any corrected bond and oversee subsequent proceedings. The case continues as authorities pursue prosecution following the February 14 complaint and subsequent police charges.
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