Armed Robbers Raid CRC-MOPP, Steal US$438,722

By Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County

PLEEBO, Maryland County, September 2, 2026 — Suspected armed robbers reportedly raided the joint central office of the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) and Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) early Wednesday, stealing US$438,722 and additional amounts in Liberian and CFA francs intended for employee salaries.

The attack, which reportedly occurred at about 3 a.m. in Pleebo-Sodoken District, left an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) officer and two private security guards injured. The attackers also allegedly seized a 9mm pistol assigned to the ERU officer and made away with several company documents.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the money had been withdrawn from a bank for the monthly salary payments of CRC and MOPP employees and was being kept at the companies’ shared central office pending payroll.

Sources said unidentified armed men gained access to the compound during the early morning hours, overpowered security personnel and escaped with the cash and documents.

ERU officer Sergeant Romeo Payne, ID #3006, reportedly sustained multiple injuries during the attack.

The assailants allegedly took Payne’s 9mm pistol during the confrontation, while an M4 rifle, serial number ERU 256, assigned to him was later recovered and is reportedly in the custody of authorities.

Two private security guards, identified as Orailey Nance and Moses Dennis, were also injured.

All three men were reportedly taken to CRC Hospital for medical treatment.

Preliminary information indicates that CRC had approximately US$203,000, LRD12,150 and CFA30,000 at the facility, while MOPP reportedly had US$235,722, LRD270 and CFA190,000.

The combined U.S. dollar amount is US$438,722, in addition to LRD12,420 and CFA220,000.

Several files belonging to the two companies were also reportedly stolen. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the missing documents or whether they contained payroll, financial or other sensitive company information.

The circumstances surrounding the robbery have prompted questions about how the attackers gained access to the heavily guarded facility and whether they had prior knowledge that such a large amount of cash was being kept there.

Maryland County Superintendent Nathaniel S. Toe Jr. has reportedly called for a swift investigation, directing county security authorities, particularly the Liberia National Police (LNP), to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.

Toe also wants investigators to determine whether the attackers received any internal assistance or information about the movement and storage of the payroll funds.

Personnel of the LNP and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) reportedly responded to the CRC-MOPP compound following the incident.

Investigators are expected to examine the crime scene, the movement of the money from the bank to the facility, security arrangements at the compound and how the perpetrators entered and escaped.

The seizure of the ERU officer’s 9mm pistol and recovery of the M4 rifle are also expected to form part of the investigation.

Superintendent Toe warned that violent attacks against major businesses could undermine investor confidence and discourage potential investments in Maryland County.

He called for stronger security around businesses operating in the county, saying private-sector investment remains important to job creation and economic activity.

As of press time, authorities had announced no arrests or publicly identified any suspects in connection with the robbery.

The LNP has also not officially established the exact value of the cash and other property stolen, with the figures currently based on preliminary information obtained from sources familiar with the incident. Investigation into the robbery is ongoing.