Liberia Revenue Authority Confirms Approving US$96,000 For Vehicles Amid Media Reports Of Corruption Allegations against Commerce Minister, Amin Modad.
By: Lawrence D. Kawala
LRA has confirmed approving US$96,000 for the purchasing of vehicles for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. At the same time, LRA clarified that “the specifications of the vehicles, as well as their deployment within MOCI, are determined by the MOCI, not the LRA.”
The clarification comes amid allegations surrounding the purchased of a luxury SUV for the Minister of Commerce, Amin Modad, who is accused of abusing his office and amassing wealth through his office.
The allegation started when Senator Nathaniel F. McGill of Margibi County accused Minister Modad, of illegal wealth acquisition and misusing his official position. Among the allegations, Senator McGill claimed that the LRA had improperly funded the purchase of a luxury vehicle for Minister Modad’s personal use with funds from the controversial Medtech. The vehicle allegedly cost US$105,000.
In a statement, LRA clarified that it approved US$96,000 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund for the purchase of vehicles, intended strictly for trade-related activities and not personal use.
According to the LRA, the funding aligns with their legal authorization under Section 18.22 of the Liberia Revenue Code to perform customs services. The LRA stated, “The allocation of resources from the Customs Capacity Building Fund to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been a standard practice for over eighteen years, facilitating trade where Ministry serves as the lead government agency for trade policy.”
“These vehicles are intended for trade-related activities in collaboration with Customs. The specifications of the vehicles, as well as their deployment within the Commerce Ministry, are determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the LRA.” The Liberia Revenue Authority further stated.
In addition, the LRA has refuted claims related to duty-free clearances for a yacht supposedly acquired by Minister Modad, stating, “Our records show that in July 2024, Minister Modad cleared a ‘motor vessel’ (boat) and paid the required duties.”
Meanwhile, Minister Modad has fervently denied all allegations, framing them as unfounded attacks on his character and commitment to public service. He asserted his longstanding financial transparency and personal investment in the nation’s economy. “The vehicle was not custom-made and was certainly not purchased for $150,000 as has been falsely claimed. I’ve been using my personal vehicles, including an S-Class Mercedes, since I took office eight months ago, and I cover the costs of fuel and my driver’s salary myself,” stated Minister Modad.
Minister Modad continued to defend his integrity by detailing his assets, which include multiple boats and luxury vehicles, amassed well before his tenure as Minister began. “I was amongst the first Ministers to declare my assets, detailing assets exceeding $15 million and a net worth of over $8 million. My declaration included a boat—not to be confused with a ‘yacht’,” Modad added, emphasizing his successful business background and commitment to governmental reform.
Despite Minister Modad’s constant defense, Senator McGill has called for a formal investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which he plans to initiate through a formal communication to the Senate Plenary on September 24, 2024.
Senator McGill has said he would be presenting a formal request before plenary for an investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which he announced would be initiated with a formal communication to the Senate Plenary slated for September 24, 2024.
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