MONROVIA – The Liberian Post has gathered that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched a criminal investigation into allegations that the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A. M. Dukuly, defrauded a Chinese investor, Yang Dan, of more than US$3.6 million. Dukuly has strongly denied the accusations, calling them an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
According to a formal complaint filed by lawyers representing Mr. Yang Dan, a major shareholder in the A.M. Duke Investment Group of Companies, the NPA boss allegedly received funds from their client under false pretense for multiple joint business ventures, including the construction of a mineral water bottling plant and the establishment of a mining company.
In the complaint addressed to LNP Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, the lawyers from the J. Johnny Momoh & Associates Legal Chambers, Inc., stated that Yang arrived in Liberia in November 2022 seeking investment opportunities. He was introduced to Mr. Dukuly in March 2023 through the General Manager of the Colony Hotel. Following discussions, Dukuly visited China for two weeks, with all travel-related expenses—airfare, accommodation, transportation, and shopping—covered by Yang.
The lawyers claim that as a result of their discussions, a mineral water bottling plant was constructed in Liberia at a cost of approximately US$2.55 million, which was fully funded by Yang. Dukuly allegedly provided the land for the facility and agreed to contribute equally to the investment.
As part of the agreement, Dukuly reportedly wired US$330,000 to Yang’s Australian account, which he claimed was his share in the venture. However, Yang’s lawyers allege that significant portions of these funds were spent on personal luxury items for Dukuly, including lighting fixtures, vehicle parts, designer goods, Rolex watches, electronics, and business-class travel. Yang also allegedly paid for the renovation of multiple properties associated with Dukuly.
In addition, the lawyers accuse Dukuly of receiving another US$1.13 million from Yang under the pretense of securing mining licenses and other permits, none of which were reportedly delivered.
Yang’s lawyers further allege that in November 2024, when their client demanded accountability, Dukuly retaliated by influencing Yang’s Chinese business associates to file a criminal complaint against him. As a result, Yang was charged with theft of property amounting to over US$4.5 million and is currently facing trial at the Monrovia City Court.
They also accuse Dukuly’s associate, Olesman Toe Brown, of receiving US$220,000 from Yang and his staff for licenses and legal fees that never materialized. Brown is also accused of unlawfully seizing and leasing Yang’s Foton truck and excavator, which allegedly resulted in damage to the equipment.
Additionally, Mr. Yang’s lawyers allege their client was physically assaulted by four Chinese nationals—Bingli Guo, Renjian Yin, Xiang Liu, and Wei Jing—at the Silk Road Chinese Restaurant, located on the Congo Town Back Road, Montserrado County. The alleged incident occurred on May 23, 2025, and reportedly resulted in multiple head injuries.
Yang’s legal team is requesting the LNP to take criminal action against Dukuly and Brown, citing violations of Liberian law and constitutional rights.
Meanwhile in response to the allegations, Dukuly has denied all allegations, declaring that the claims are a smear campaign intended to malign his character. He alleges that Yang Dan is the actual fraudster, having duped fellow Chinese investors and the company out of millions of dollars.
Dukuly claims that Yang misrepresented his ownership status in Duke Global Investment Limited—a Liberian-registered company—and defrauded several investors by offering bogus shares and partnerships. As a result, the company and several Chinese investors filed a criminal complaint against Yang with the LNP, leading to the ongoing case in court.
But in their complaint, the Chinese investors—Luo Wei, Bingli Guo, Chunmei Yin, Hong Yin, Wei Jing, and Lijun Ding—accuse Yang of masterminding a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. They say Yang falsely claimed to be the majority shareholder in Duke Global and promised equity in exchange for large investments.
The complainants argue that Yang acted without the knowledge or consent of Mr. Dukuly and other Duke Global founders and misused company documents to perpetuate fraud.
The police, through Deputy Commissioner for Press and Public Affairs Cecelia Clarke, has confirmed that an investigation is underway into the complaint filed by Mr. Yang’s lawyers.
Meanwhile, pundits are urging President Joseph Boakai to relieve Mr. Dukuly of his duties at Managing Director of the NPA pending the outcome of the investigation. They say it does not seem good for Dukuly to be heading the NPA, the gateway of the Liberian economy and being accused of allegedly defrauding potential investors who want to invest in the country.
