In a dossier of leaked documents shared with Verity News, the former factory manager of the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC), Mr. Shaju Vijaya, has accused the company of what he terms as “a mutated form of slavery.”
A leaked set of documents and a written statement from former Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) factory manager Shaju Vijayan contains a series of serious allegations regarding corruption, labor exploitation, and unsafe industrial practices at one of Liberia’s largest agricultural concessions.
The accusations, critical of current and former LAC management, have sparked renewed calls from workers and activists for government intervention and an independent investigation.
Vijayan, who joined LAC in early 2022, claims that his resistance to corruption and procurement irregularities led to a coordinated effort by senior managers to force him out.
According to his account, a “nexus” of current and former Indian managers attempted to pressure him into authorizing purchases from suppliers allegedly linked to certain individuals within management, involving substandard materials, inflated pricing, and high commissions.
“When I maintained professional ethics, they started chasing me like a pack of wolves,” Vijayan wrote, alleging that his refusal to participate in questionable procurement practices made him a target. He further claims that his rapport with workers fueled resentment among members of the managerial circle.
Allegations of Procurement Corruption
Vijayan’s dossier outlines several areas where he says corruption is deeply entrenched.
Employee Rice Imports
He alleges that monthly rice supplies for employees are sourced from an importer connected to the managerial group he accuses. According to him, the rice is of “substandard quality” and sold at inflated prices, driving up workers’ living costs.
He also claims LAC managers frequently pushed for purchases from an Indian supplier, Printshopee, which he alleges is owned or connected to members of the internal network. Materials supplied, he says, were “low quality” but approved at high cost.
Chemical Imports and Environmental Concerns
The documents further allege that chemicals imported from vendors in southern India are not permitted for use in India and may pose health or genetic risks to workers, including pregnant employees. Vijayan accuses LAC of “forged” internal safety records and calls for independent environmental and occupational health assessments.
Vehicle and Machinery Procurement
Vijayan also claims that the workshop management inflated costs and intentionally selected low-quality machinery and vehicle parts from suppliers in Dubai and India to enable repeated purchases and commissions.
He alleged that the General Manager personally controls ticket procurement for expatriate travel, implying favoritism toward certain agents and potential commission gains.
Additionally, he accuses the GM of nepotism for appointing his spouse, a former schoolteacher, to the sustainability department, despite the presence of a qualified Liberian sustainability head and team.
Vijayan urges factory workers to remain alert under new leadership, warning that the incoming manager may be aligned with the group he accuses.
He also calls on lawmakers, unions, and civil society to push for increased minimum wages-suggesting USD 17 for an eight-hour shift, and for external reviews of procurement and chemical-handling practices. He promises further disclosures in a forthcoming “next episode.”
LAC Management Denies All Allegations
In response, LAC management, through its General Manager, Mr. Naveen Madan, dismissed all of Vijayan’s allegations as baseless, misleading, and inconsistent with the company’s documented procedures.
Rice Procurement
Madan emphasized that LAC does not import rice: “The rice import is by government-authorized agencies only. LAC cannot import the rice in Liberia. The process of ordering rice is clearly laid down-we take samples from wholesalers and give it to the three associations: LAC Workers Union, LAC Staff Association, and LAC Sub-staff Association. They take it to workplace representatives for approval. Once quality is approved, quotations are sought monthly and the best quote is accepted,” Madan clarified.
He added that rice pricing is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated with workers.
Printshopee and Supplier Relations
Addressing the procurement allegations, Madan stated: “Print Shoppe is one of the suppliers. The rates are matched with local and international prices. The supplier does not manufacture the products; he only supplies from approved manufacturers. Complaints are treated as with any other supplier.”
Chemical Use and Environmental Oversight
Madan firmly rejected claims of dangerous chemical imports: “The allegation is baseless. We did not import any chemicals from India in at least the last 8-9 years. All chemicals are imported with Material Safety Data Sheets. EPA conducts regular audits, and only EPA-approved chemicals are imported.
He said the company keeps comprehensive records of all chemicals used-dates, quantities, locations, and areas covered-which are included in monthly sustainability reporting.
Machinery, Procurement, and Audits
According to LAC General Manager, all purchases at the plantation follow strict procurement policies.
“All purchases follow our strict procurement policies. Machinery not manufactured in Liberia is imported from multiple locations-Europe, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Dubai, Germany, the U.S.-based on original equipment sources. Multiple quotes are always obtained to ensure the best product and price,” he added.
He, however, emphasized that LAC undergoes routine internal and external audits, including from Ernst & Young, Baker Tilly, and the Liberia Revenue Authority.
Travel Tickets and Nepotism Allegations
Madan said travel ticket procurement follows strict quotation requirements: “GM and the Finance Manager always insist on multiple quotes to get the best ticket price. Evidence is available with each purchase order.”
Regarding his spouse’s appointment, Madan indicated: “The GM’s wife was on a two-month contract to support the sustainability department on sexual harassment policies in line with Liberian and international laws. She has training in sexual harassment case handling. The contract ended on November 4.”
He noted that several local staff has been inducted into the sustainability department over the past two years.
While LAC has rejected the allegations outright, Vijayan’s claims, combined with longstanding labor grievances, have intensified calls for an independent investigation.
Advocacy groups and some legislators are urging the government to probe procurement, chemical-handling practices, and overall labor conditions at the concession.
LAC says it is prepared to provide documentation and audit reports to authorities or visiting journalists.
