Anticipating a US$30 million payment upon ratification, HPX proposed an equivalent amount to the Liberian Government if the agreement was rejected. On March 30, 2022, HPX introduced an amended Framework Agreement with Liberia, including an additional “UpFront” payment of US$30 million. On March 31, 2022, HPX executed three separate payments of US$10 million each, sparking suspicions of potential money laundering. Considering these developments, several crucial questions arise:Does the synchronicity between HPX’s payment and the anticipated ArcelorMittal payment raise suspicions? After the initial US$7 million payment, what substantial consideration prompted a second “UpFront Payment 2” of US$30 million?
