The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) has heightened its investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding MedTech Scientific Limited and government officials. The letter dated November 19, 2024, signed by Officer-In-Charge Mohamed A. Nasser, was addressed to several senior officials, including James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA); Saa Saamoi, Commissioner for Customs at the LRA; Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State Without Portfolio; and Samuel Kofi Woods II, National Security Advisor to the President.
The letter, also carbon copied to Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, demanded comprehensive financial records related to MedTech operations and warned of severe consequences for non-compliance.
The FIA’s request centers on transparency issues involving MedTech, a company contracted for Destination Inspections (DI) of imported goods. The agency instructed the officials to submit a complete customer database, including consignee names, volume of goods, and financial details from January 2, 2024. The letter underscored that failure to comply would constitute obstruction of money laundering and terrorism financing investigations. The FIA cited its statutory mandate under the FIA Act of 2021, which grants it access to institutional records and the authority to impose administrative and criminal sanctions on non-compliant entities and individuals.
This investigation follows findings from an Ad-hoc Senate Committee chaired by Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County. The committee’s report, submitted to the Senate Plenary on September 19, 2024, unveiled significant irregularities in the DI contract between the Liberian government and MedTech. Among the report’s key findings was the lack of a mandatory Transitory Account for revenue management, leading to potential mismanagement of public funds. The committee recommended immediate action, including a comprehensive review and renegotiation—or outright cancellation—of the MedTech contract to align with Liberian laws.
The Senate committee also raised concerns about MedTech functioning as a spending entity for the LRA without adequate oversight. This prompted a call for the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to audit all revenues and expenditures handled by MedTech. The audit aims to determine compliance with Liberia’s Public Financial Management (PFM) Act and to clarify how the government’s share of collected revenues has been utilized.
The FIA’s intensified investigation comes when public discourse around governance, financial accountability, and resource mismanagement is at an all-time high. Activist Martin K. N. Kollie has been outspoken in his criticism of Commerce Minister Amin Modad, whom he accused of benefiting from MedTech’s questionable financial practices. Kollie alleged that a 2024 Chevy Suburban purchased for Modad, valued at over US$100,000, was funded through MedTech-LRA arrangements disguised as “capacity-building support.”
Kollie argued that such excesses contradict the promises of the “Rescue” administration under President Joseph Boakai. He highlighted the stark contrast between Minister Modad’s luxury vehicle and the dire economic conditions ordinary Liberians face. Kollie noted that the cost of the car could pay the monthly salaries of over 10,000 civil servants, many of whom earn a meager US$150. These revelations have further fueled public outrage over alleged corruption in the Boakai administration.
The former Commerce Minister’s actions have also been scrutinized for economic implications. Kollie pointed out that Modad supported recent rice price hikes, disproportionately affecting the country’s poorest citizens. He accused the minister of siding with importers rather than advocating for policies to alleviate the financial burden on ordinary households.
In its defense, the LRA issued a press release addressing the allegations. It clarified that the agency approved US$96,000 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund for the purchase of vehicles to support the Ministry of Commerce’s operations, denying claims of purchasing a US$150,000 luxury car. The LRA further explained that MedTech previously managed funds from the DI contract due to an agreement under the former Administration. However, since July 2024, the funds have been deposited into an escrow account as mandated by the PFM Act.
The LRA’s statement also denied allegations of granting duty-free clearance to Minister Modad for a yacht, confirming that required duties had been paid for a “motor vessel” cleared in July 2024. The agency emphasized its commitment to transparency, urging media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid misinformation that could undermine public trust in revenue collection efforts.
Despite these clarifications, critics argue that the collaboration between MedTech and government agencies remains riddled with opacity. Activists and civil society organizations have called for an investigation into the origins of MedTech’s contracts and its influence over government decision-making. The unresolved issues surrounding MedTech’s operations highlight Liberia’s challenges in ensuring financial accountability and adherence to procurement laws.
