By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has disclosed the uncovering of a serious revenue diversion scheme allegedly involving collusion between certain staff members, commercial bank tellers, and unpatriotic citizens, aimed at siphoning off government revenue. The revelation has triggered swift action from the NRA leadership, which is determined to get to the root of the matter and ensure accountability for all involved.
According to a statement from the Authority, the scheme represents a grave breach of public trust. In response, the Commissioner-General has launched a full-scale internal investigation while formally alerting the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police. Several individuals, including some NRA staff and bank personnel, are already assisting the CID with its inquiries. Simultaneously, all commercial banks operating in Sierra Leone have been notified and are reportedly cooperating fully with the ongoing probe.
“The NRA takes this issue with the utmost seriousness. No stone will be left unturned in identifying and holding accountable every individual—whether internal or external—who played a role in this unacceptable breach,” the statement said.
As part of its response, the Authority is conducting a comprehensive review of its internal systems, processes, and operational procedures. The aim is to tighten controls, eliminate vulnerabilities, and institute reforms to prevent future breaches. The NRA assured the public that measures would be put in place to safeguard government revenues and restore full confidence in the integrity of the national tax administration system.
In the interim, the NRA has issued a firm reminder to all taxpayers regarding the appropriate procedures for making payments to the Authority. The public is advised that all cash payments to the NRA must not exceed Fifty Thousand Leones (NLe 50,000.00). Any amount above this threshold must be settled through a crossed cheque or via the official electronic payment channels into the designated Government Revenue Account.
The NRA warned that failure to comply would attract strict penalties. Sanctions may include the suspension of clearance privileges for non-compliant taxpayers and legal action where appropriate. This step forms part of the Authority’s broader effort to tighten revenue collection systems and prevent manipulation or abuse by unscrupulous actors.
While reassuring the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NRA called on all citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or irregular activities through the Authority’s official reporting channels. The statement emphasized that the NRA remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate to assess, collect, and account for all government revenues in line with the law and best international practices.
“The Authority assures the public that this matter will not be treated lightly. We are taking concrete and decisive steps to cleanse the system and to protect the nation’s financial resources. Corruption and collusion have no place in the NRA or in the country’s revenue ecosystem,” the statement concluded.
The NRA emphasized that it would lead by example in the fight against corruption, ensuring that its own staff operate with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. These developments form part of the Authority’s broader institutional reforms aimed at building a robust, transparent, and efficient tax system for Sierra Leone.
As the investigation progresses, the NRA pledged to keep the public informed of significant developments and to take all necessary steps to safeguard public funds and uphold national interest.
