LRA Refutes Media Claims, Clarifies Vehicle Purchase and Allegations

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has addressed recent media reports concerning the purchase of a vehicle for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and various other allegations.

 In a statement, the LRA firmly denied the claim that it had purchased a vehicle worth US$150,000 for the ministry.

According to the LRA, it approved a request from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in May 2024 for US$96,000 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund, under the Destination Inspection (DI) Contract with MEDTECH Scientific Limited (MTS), to purchase vehicles for trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs. The LRA clarified that the MOCI, not the LRA, determined the specifications and deployment of the vehicles.

The LRA further highlighted the legal framework that guides its operations, noting that it is authorized under Section 1822 of the Liberia Revenue Code to collect customs service fees, separate from customs duties. These fees fund the hiring of third-party inspection services, such as MEDTECH, with the LRA entitled to 20% of the fees collected.

The agency explained that under a previous arrangement with MEDTECH, this share was initially held by MEDTECH but was transferred to a new escrow account established in July 2024. As of August 31, 2024, the account held US$3,457,718.34.

The LRA further explained that its partnerships with other government entities, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Mines and Energy, and others, have contributed to an increase in revenue collection, amounting to over US$53 million as of August 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Addressing allegations related to Minister Amin Modad, the LRA clarified that no duty-free clearance was granted for a yacht or boat. In July 2024, Minister Modad cleared a "motor vessel" and paid the required duties, as per LRA records.

The LRA also denied accusations of bribery involving MEDTECH or any other businesses or individuals. It called on media outlets to verify their reports before publishing, stressing the importance of accurate information to avoid undermining revenue collection efforts.

The LRA reaffirmed its commitment to collecting lawful revenue for the Government and people of Liberia in a transparent and professional manner.