Dozens of checks belonging to pensioners have disappeared into thin air at the Ministry of Finance, authorities have announced. The checks worth over US$25,000 belong to over 500 poor pensioners.

The Ministry disclosed that the checks were stolen by some unknown individuals, who allegedly walked in the Finance Ministry and made away with the checks.

According to a Finance Ministry's press release, a stop payment request has been submitted to the Central Bank of Liberia and commercial banks to ensure that checks with marching series numbers are not cashed.

The release noted that an employee (name withheld) in charge of the checks informed senior management of the Ministry that some unknown persons reportedly walked into her office and made away with the bag containing the checks.

The release detailed that authorities of the Ministry of Finance, including the internal security unit have launched an immediate investigation into the incident.

The authorities have also notified the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police to investigate the stolen checks incident.

The release said that the employee involved has been recommended for suspension without pay, pending the outcome of the investigation. Finance Minister Amara Konneh has called on the police to accelerate the investigation in order for the culprits to be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Liberia.