Liberia: LNP Seizes US$400,000 in Undeclared Cash at Cape Mount Checkpoint

Grand Cape Mount County — The Liberia National Police has intercepted US$400,000 in cash during a routine security operation at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County, with authorities saying the money had not been declared at the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

According to a release, the cash was discovered Tuesday, October 6, at about 1:52 p.m. during a search of a Liberian-registered vehicle, A53191, driven by Abu Toure, 58, of Brewerville, according to the police.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the money was not declared to authorities when it crossed the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

Toure reportedly told investigators that the money represented proceeds from his cocoa business.

Following the discovery, police took Toure into custody and referred the matter to the Financial Crime Division of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for further investigation.

The LNP stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final determination has been made regarding whether any law was violated.

The police said the interception underscores the importance of security checks at border points as authorities seek to prevent financial crimes, money laundering and other activities that could threaten Liberia’s economic and national security.

The LNP commended officers assigned to the Tienii Checkpoint for what it described as vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to working with relevant government institutions to combat financial crimes.

Authorities have not indicated whether the US$400,000 has been forfeited or what further action may be taken against Toure pending the outcome of the investigation.