The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has addressed recent media reports concerning the purchase of a vehicle for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI) and various other allegations. LRA Monday provided the following clarifications:
Firstly, the LRA denies the reports of purchasing a vehicle valued at US$150,000. However, the LRA confirms the approval of the MOCI’s request in early May 2024 for US$96,000.00 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund under the Destination Inspection (DI) Contract held with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS) for the purchase of vehicles to support the MOCI’s trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs.
The LRA explains that the Customs Capacity Building Fund is derived from the 20% share of the customs service fees it is entitled to under the DI Contract, as per Section 1822 of the Liberia Revenue Code.
This fund has been used to provide logistical support to various government agencies involved in revenue mobilization, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Mines and Energy, Labor, as well as the Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, and the National Legislature.
Regarding the allegations of duty-free clearance for a yacht or boat belonging to Minister Amin Modad, the LRA confirms that no such duty-free clearance occurred. The records show that Minister Modad cleared a “motor vessel” (boat) and paid the required duties in July 2024.
The LRA also firmly denies any involvement with bribery from MEDTECH or any other business or individual. The Authority emphasizes its commitment to collecting lawful revenue for the Government and people of Liberia in a professional and transparent manner.
The LRA encourages media outlets to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation that could undermine revenue collection efforts. The Authority remains dedicated to transparency and accountability in its operations.
