The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has announced the launch of a sweeping investigation into a suspected revenue diversion plot involving a network of internal staff, commercial bank tellers and external collaborators. The revelation, disclosed in a public notice issued on June 20, 2025, has prompted strong institutional and legal measures aimed at ensuring accountability and reforming internal systems.

According to the statement, the NRA leadership has uncovered what it described as a “concerning scheme” designed to divert Government revenue through collusion between certain NRA employees and unpatriotic actors, including individuals within the banking sector.

In response, Commissioner-General Jeneba Kpaka-Bangura has initiated a full-scale internal inquiry and has formally referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police. Several suspects are already assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries. Simultaneously, all commercial banks have been notified and are cooperating with the investigation.

“No stone will be left unturned,” the NRA emphasized in its release. “The Authority is fully committed to identifying and holding accountable individuals, internal or external, found complicit in this breach of public trust.”

Beyond immediate investigative steps, the NRA is conducting a comprehensive review of its internal control systems and processes. The review is expected to inform a set of reforms aimed at strengthening revenue protection mechanisms and rebuilding public confidence in tax administration.

To prevent further abuse and ensure compliance, the Authority reminded all taxpayers of the following directives:

- Cash payments to the NRA must not exceed Fifty Thousand New Leones (NLe 50,000.00).


- Payments exceeding this amount must be made through crossed cheques or official electronic channels directly into the designated Government Revenue Account.

Failure to comply, the NRA warned, will attract firm sanctions, including the suspension of clearance privileges and legal action where appropriate.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to its core mandate of assessing, collecting and accounting for Government revenues. It urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through official NRA communication channels.

“The NRA will continue to lead by example,” the statement concluded, “by rooting out corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of our operations.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nra-exposes-internal-collusion-in-attempted-government-revenue-diversion/