‘Passengers 57’ Nabbed

Three men suspected of being members of a notorious criminal group referred to as “passengers 57” were arrested in Sinkor by the Liberia National Police in Monrovia last Saturday, August 13, 2011.

Police Spokesman George Bardue Said suspects William Gayflor, G. Gray and Ephraim George were arrested after the men allegedly robbed or snatched away US$285.00 and a mobile phone from victim Gweh Korkpa. Mr. Bardue said upon executing the robbery, the suspects fled the scene immediately.

But according Bardue, the suspects were arrested after their vehicle collided with another unidentified vehicle and got ablaze. The police spokesman, however, said the suspects are in custody undergoing investigation.

The group (passengers 57) has been linked to a number of robberies against innocent passengers for the past years.  Several others who claimed to have fallen victim to “passengers 57”, have narrated being harassed and robbed of their belongings; mostly phones, money and other valuables among others whenever they rode on their car.

Reports say most often when “passengers 57” was about to execute their mission, they would occupy the back and front seats of the vehicle and reserve at least a seat in the middle to capture anyone who rode with them. After achieving their objective, victims are quickly dropped at any undesired point.

Investigation continues.