Police Arrest Four Suspects in Scholarship Scam in Monrovia

• Liberia National Police arrested four suspects in scholarship scam cases.
• Scholarship offers alleged to misuse Vice President Koung’s name.
• Victims reportedly lost significant sums of money through these scams.
• Connections made between arrests and suspicious QNet marketing practices.
• Accused individuals maintain innocence, attributing their arrests to misunderstandings.

Scholarship Scam Exposed by Police in Monrovia

In a significant move to combat fraud, the Liberia National Police (LNP) have arrested four individuals in connection with a scholarship scam that purportedly exploited the name of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The alleged scam had targeted Liberians, offering fake scholarship opportunities purportedly to study overseas, particularly in Canada. The arrests, executed on July 15, 2025, occurred at the Zone-3 Police Station located on Tubman Boulevard in Congo Town, Monrovia, and have raised concerns about the integrity of such education offers in the country.

Victims and Accused Speak Out

Among those arrested is Obediah Mattar, who insists he was merely visiting a friend and denies any involvement in the scam. Despite his claims, police have evidence suggesting a victim was defrauded of US$1,000 for a non-existent scholarship, having already paid an initial installment of US$200. Another individual, known as Samuel, corroborated the police’s claims, stating that he was at the office to share experiences about online marketing when the police swooped in, linking their arrests to the fraudulent use of the Vice President’s name. Samuel also mentioned running a business under the name Infinity Millionaire, allegedly providing online education and marketing services instead of scholarships, although the fee structure drew suspicion.

Link to QNet and Broader Implications

Princess Kolakeh, one of the arrested, claimed ignorance about any scholarship scams, asserting her role was solely focused on health product sales through network marketing. Meanwhile, another arrestee, Princess M. Gongloe, acknowledged a connection to a victim named Faith, who reportedly bought US$895 worth of health products. Gongloe, like the others, vehemently denied any links to scholarship offers, stating she only issues receipts for her products. This case has not only puzzled the community but also attracted scrutiny due to its ties with QNet, a company previously besieged with allegations of fraudulent activities throughout West Africa, giving the case a broader context.

The police investigation into the scholarship scam has unveiled a complex web of deceit involving several individuals who are adamantly denying their involvement. The case, centered around false educational offers linked to Vice President Koung’s name, highlights the pressing issue of fraud in Liberia’s education sector. With notable connections to QNet, a company previously embroiled in controversy, the ramifications of these arrests could affect wider public perceptions regarding legitimate business practices.