The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A. M. Dukuly, is currently under criminal investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) following serious allegations of financial fraud involving over US$3.6 million. The accusations were brought forward by Chinese investor Yang Dan, who claims he was deceived into funding multiple joint ventures under false pretenses. Dukuly, however, has categorically denied the charges, describing them as part of a smear campaign.
The Allegations
According to a formal complaint submitted to the office of Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, lawyers representing Mr. Yang allege that their client, a major stakeholder in A.M. Duke Investment Group, was manipulated into investing millions in Liberia through business partnerships orchestrated by Dukuly.
The complaint, filed by the J. Johnny Momoh & Associates Legal Chambers, details that Yang met Dukuly in March 2023, months after arriving in Liberia to explore investment opportunities. The introduction was reportedly arranged by the General Manager of the Colony Hotel. Soon after, Dukuly traveled to China for two weeks, with all expenses, ranging from airfare and hotel accommodations to shopping sprees, fully paid for by Yang.
Following these interactions, a mineral water bottling plant was allegedly constructed in Liberia at the cost of US$2.55 million, entirely funded by Yang. Dukuly is said to have promised to co-invest by providing land and financial input. Though he reportedly wired US$330,000 to Yang’s Australian bank account as his contribution, Yang’s lawyers claim the amount was misused on luxury purchases, including designer items, watches, vehicle parts, and personal electronics.
Additionally, Dukuly is accused of receiving another US$1.13 million from Yang under the pretense of acquiring mining licenses and permits, documents which, according to the complaint, were never delivered.
Yang’s legal team further alleges that the NPA boss retaliated after being asked for accountability, reportedly persuading Yang’s Chinese associates to file a criminal complaint against him. Yang was subsequently charged with theft of over US$4.5 million and is now on trial at the Monrovia City Court.
The complaint also names Dukuly’s associate, Olesman Toe Brown, who allegedly received US$220,000 for legal and licensing services that never materialized. Brown is also accused of seizing and leasing Yang’s truck and excavator, leading to alleged damage.
In a shocking twist, Yang’s lawyers say their client was physically assaulted on May 23, 2025, by four Chinese nationals, Bingli Guo, Renjian Yin, Xiang Liu, and Wei Jing, at the Silk Road Chinese Restaurant in Congo Town. The incident allegedly resulted in head injuries and is part of the broader complaint submitted to police.
Dukuly Fires Back: “I’m the Victim Here”
In a written statement, Sekou Dukuly denied all allegations, branding the claims as a calculated attempt to damage his name and integrity. “This is nothing more than an orchestrated smear campaign,” he said. “The real fraudster is Yang Dan, who has been deceiving his own people and misrepresenting his position in our company.”
Dukuly argues that Yang fraudulently posed as the majority shareholder in Duke Global Investment Limited, a company registered in Liberia, and allegedly lured other Chinese investors by offering fake shares and promising joint ventures without the knowledge or consent of the real company founders.
According to Dukuly, it was these Chinese investors, Luo Wei, Bingli Guo, Chunmei Yin, Hong Yin, Wei Jing, and Lijun Ding, who filed a legitimate criminal complaint against Yang, leading to his current prosecution.
The investors accuse Yang of forging company documents and misusing funds intended for Duke Global Investment’s operations. They maintain that Dukuly played no role in Yang’s alleged activities and only became a target after refusing to remain silent on the internal fraud.
Police Confirm Investigation
Deputy Commissioner for Press and Public Affairs, Cecelia Clarke, confirmed that the Liberia National Police is actively investigating the matter. “A complaint has been formally received, and a thorough investigation is ongoing,” she stated, without offering further details on the timeline or scope.
What’s Next?
As both sides continue to trade allegations, the case has quickly evolved into a high-profile legal battle with potential political implications, especially given Dukuly’s senior role in government. The outcome of the police probe, and the ongoing court case involving Yang Dan, could prove decisive in determining who the true victim of fraud is.
Meanwhile, public scrutiny is mounting as questions swirl around transparency and accountability at the National Port Authority, with observers urging the police and justice system to pursue the matter without fear or favor.
