Monrovia, Liberia – An inventive Whistleblower Platform has been introduced by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) with the goal of bolstering the battle against tax evasion and improving the integrity of revenue collection. Now operational, the platform may be accessed through the LRA website at www.lra.gov.lr. Its goal is to promote public reporting of financial crimes like fraud and tax evasion.
The website is open to the public for reporting tax evasion, including misconduct and unethical practices by both LRA and non-LRA employees according an LRA release. Whistleblowers will remain anonymous and protected unless they choose to disclose their identity.
The program, which is being led by the Authority’s Fiscal Investigation Division (FID), is a major step toward enhancing intelligence collection and enabling more successful tax crime investigations.
LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah emphasized the need of public involvement in combating tax fraud and increasing revenue collection during his remarks at the event.
“Tax evasion is a serious crime that undermines revenue collection and hinders national development,” said Commissioner General Jallah. “Every dollar lost to these illicit activities is a dollar taken away from schools, hospitals, roads, and other essential services that our people desperately need. That is why we stand firm in our mission to close revenue leakages and ensure that every cent due to Liberia is collected and accounted for.”
The website allows members of the public and commercial sectors to report suspected cases of tax evasion involving businesses and individuals. The LRA will provide a taxable proportional award of 5% of the net taxes or duties recovered from tax fraud or evasion, in line with Section 16 of the Liberia Whistleblower Act of 2021.
Commissioner General Jallah praised the platform’s introduction as a significant step toward guaranteeing accountability and transparency in Liberia’s tax administration. He told prospective informants that the LRA is dedicated to provide persons who report tax offenses the best possible protection. “We protect our country’s future when we speak out against corruption. Demanding responsibility ensures a better Liberia for future generations.”
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), attended the launch event and vowed to support and work with the LRA in order to safeguard the nation’s revenue.
The platform was formally inaugurated by LACC Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation Randolph Tebbs, who praised the LRA for this “groundbreaking development” that will assist fight corruption, improve transparency, and protect the nation’s wealth. He reiterated that the LACC is “prepared to assist the LRA with any investigation” that reveals corruption and discourages tax evasion and financial crimes.
Mr. Shine Williams, Manager of the LRA Fiscal Investigation Division (FID), cited external reports indicating that Liberia loses approximately US$200 million in tax revenue annually due to tax evasion and related financial crimes. He emphasized that such losses are too significant for a country in dire need of financial resources for development. Sealing these loopholes through whistleblowing could recover US$200 million, significantly contributing to national development.
Williams urged all citizens and businesses to utilize the Whistleblower Platform to report suspected cases of tax fraud or evasion, emphasizing, “If you see it, report it.” He explained that tax evasion occurs when individuals, businesses, or organizations deliberately evade or attempt to evade paying lawful government taxes by either paying no tax or paying less than what is owed.
In the end, he said, the LRA hopes to contribute to national growth by creating a tax system founded on justice, openness, and trust through the whistleblower program. Williams said that the FID will spearhead awareness campaigns to teach users how to make the most of the platform.
