Police in Buchanan have placed 20-year-old Ruth Nimely of Big Fanti Town in custody after she reportedly admitted to stealing more than L$2,076,000 from a women-led savings group.
The money belonged to members of the Fish for Living Organization, a cooperative of local fishmongers who had been contributing to the fund for years. The group said the alleged theft struck a painful blow, especially with their annual savings distribution set for September. Many members were counting on the payout for household needs and small business investments.
Sources close to the victims revealed that Nimely confessed during questioning, admitting she used portions of the stolen funds to purchase two iPhones, a bed valued at L$110,000, and to provide financial assistance to her boyfriend.
Leaders of the organization described the loss as devastating and have called on the Liberia National Police to act swiftly while appealing to the national government for help in recovering the stolen money.
Police have launched a full investigation into the matter.
