MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) of Liberia has intensified its investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving MedTech Scientific Limited and several high-ranking government officials. In a letter dated November 19, 2024, Officer-in-Charge Moharumed A. Nasser directed key officials, including Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, Customs Commissioner Saa Saamoi, Minister of State Without Portfolio Samuel A. Stevquoah, and National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods II, to submit detailed financial records related to MedTech’s operations.
The letter, copied to Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, demanded comprehensive data on MedTech’s customer database, including consignee names, shipment volumes, and financial transactions from January 2, 2024, to the present. Non-compliance, the FIA warned, would constitute obstruction of money laundering and terrorism financing investigations. Citing its authority under the FIA Act of 2021, the agency vowed to enforce sanctions if necessary.
This probe follows revelations from an Ad-hoc Senate Committee led by Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, whose report unveiled significant irregularities in the Destination Inspection (DI) contract between MedTech and the Liberian government. Among the findings was the absence of a required Transitory Account for managing revenue, raising concerns about mismanagement of public funds.
The Senate committee recommended urgent action, including renegotiating or canceling the MedTech contract to ensure compliance with Liberian laws. It also called on the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to audit MedTech’s financial dealings, particularly its role in handling government revenue, to determine adherence to the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act.
The investigation has amplified public discourse on financial accountability, with prominent activist Martin K. N. Kollie accusing former Commerce Minister Amin Modad of benefiting from MedTech’s questionable practices. Kollie alleged that MedTech funds were used to purchase a 2024 Chevy Suburban worth over US$100,000 for Modad under the guise of “capacity-building support.”
Kollie criticized such expenditures as emblematic of the “Rescue” administration’s failure to prioritize the needs of ordinary Liberians. He highlighted the disparity between the luxury vehicle’s cost and the plight of thousands of civil servants earning as little as US$150 monthly, adding that such funds could cover the salaries of over 10,000 workers.
Modad has also faced criticism for supporting recent rice price hikes, which have disproportionately impacted Liberia’s poorest citizens. Kollie accused him of siding with importers rather than advocating for policies to ease the economic burden on the public.
In response to the controversy, the LRA issued a statement clarifying its role in the MedTech arrangement. It acknowledged authorizing US$96,000 from its Customs Capacity Building Fund for vehicle purchases but denied acquiring a US$150,000 luxury car for Minister Modad. The LRA explained that funds generated under the DI contract were previously managed by MedTech but have been deposited into an escrow account since July 2024, in line with the PFM Act.
The agency also refuted allegations of granting duty-free clearance for a yacht, confirming that all applicable duties for a “motor vessel” cleared in July 2024 were paid. The LRA emphasized its commitment to transparency and urged media outlets to verify claims to prevent misinformation.
Despite these clarifications, critics argue that the MedTech arrangement remains shrouded in opacity, with activists and civil society organizations demanding a thorough investigation into the company’s contracts and influence over government decisions. The controversy emphasizes Liberia’s ongoing struggles with financial accountability and adherence to procurement laws, raising pressing questions about governance and resource management under the Boakai administration.
