LIBERIA: Revenue Authority Officer, Part of Tax Fraud Syndicate Captured in Accra

Monrovia – Mr. Lee Taylor, an Enforcement Officer at the Liberia Revenue Authority has been arrested in Accra, Ghana in what investigators confirmed to FrontPageAfrica late Thursday is part of a major syndicate resulting in the theft of thousands of United States dollars in taxes paid into government accounts.

The exact amount remains unknown as authorities at the Liberia Revenue Authority were mum Thursday, stating that they could not provide FPA with the exact amount. One source however put the amount around nearly half-a million dollars. Investigators are still trying to figure out how the cheque was cashed and who authorized it.

Mr. Taylor, had reportedly been on the run after escaping with thousands of dollars in taxes paid into a statutory account at the United Bank for Africa.
The account, according to information gathered by FrontPageAfrica serves as depository for the Liberia Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance and the TIA Gateway operations.

The Liberia Revenue Authority confirmed to FrontPageAfrica that Taylor was arrested in Ghana through the collaboration of the Liberia National Police and Interpol and is currently assisting the Liberia National Police with the investigation. The LRA believes the theft was orchestrated by a syndicate.

Taylor had received a manager’s check of US$450,000 from the LTA which was to be deposited in the General Revenue Account with the UBA Bank. Instead another account was opened with Access Bank where the manager’s check was deposited.

Authorities believe that Lee did not act alone and are hoping that his interrogation could draw others into the fray.

THIS DEVELOPING STORY will be updated as more information becomes available.