Police Arrest Four Suspects in Scholarship Fraud in Monrovia

• Liberia National Police arrested four suspects in a scholarship scam.
• Scammers allegedly used Vice President Koung’s name to lure victims.
• Victims were tricked into paying large sums for fake scholarships.
• The case involved online marketing claims from connected businesses.
• QNet, linked to the suspects, has faced multiple fraud allegations.

Police Combat Scholarship Scam Linked to Vice President’s Name

In the bustling streets of Monrovia, a disturbing story unfolded on July 15, 2025, as Liberia’s law enforcement moved in on what they claim to be a scholarship scam involving the name of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The Liberia National Police (LNP) acted upon reports and arrested four individuals, two of whom were women, who allegedly duped innocent Liberians with false promises of scholarships, some claiming opportunities to study in Canada. The arrests took place at the Zone-3 Police Station located along Tubman Boulevard, bringing attention to the ongoing issue of fraud affecting the community.

Suspects Share Their Versions of Events

Obediah Mattar, one suspect, recounted his account of the arrest, asserting that he was merely visiting a friend involved in network marketing when the police arrived unexpectedly. He firmly denied any connections to the fraudulent scheme, despite police records showing that one victim was scammed out of US$1,000 under the guise of a scholarship that required an initial payment of US$200. Another suspect, who goes by Samuel, described himself as a businessman engaged in online product marketing, specifically in health and wireless sectors, claiming he had visited the office merely to exchange insights with colleagues after the police detained them all, but he faced skepticism regarding his claims due to the nature of charges.

QNet’s Alleged Connections Raise Concerns

As investigations continue, authorities have noted that the suspects, including Princess Kolakeh and Princess M. Gongloe, have provided their own various explanations for their presence in the office. Kolakeh told police she was simply selling health products when she was detained, while Gongloe acknowledged her acquaintance with a victim who purchased health products, emphasizing her innocence. The attention that this case has garnered is heightened, especially considering QNet, the company connected to the suspects, has been under scrutiny, facing numerous allegations of scam activities across West Africa. With multiple arrests linked to this entity, the investigation could potentially unravel a larger network of deception targeting unsuspecting victims.

The arrests made in Monrovia signify a crucial intervention against a potentially widespread scam leveraging the Vice President’s name. As the Liberia National Police continues its investigation, the spotlight falls on the practices of companies like QNet, which already bear a cloud of suspicion. The complex web of deceit illustrates the need for vigilance among citizens regarding offers that may seem too good to be true.