The Liberia National Police has seized US$400,000 in undeclared cash during a routine security operation at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County. According to the police, the cash was discovered on Tuesday, October 6, at about 1:52 p.m. during a search of a Liberian-registered vehicle, A53191. The vehicle was driven by Abu Toure, 58, of Brewerville.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the money was not declared to authorities when it crossed the Liberia-Sierra Leone border. The police release stated that Toure reportedly told investigators that the money represented proceeds from his cocoa business. The police took Toure into custody and referred the matter to the Financial Crime Division of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for further investigation.
The LNP stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final determination has been made regarding whether any law was violated. The police said the interception underscores the importance of security checks at border points as authorities seek to prevent financial crimes, money laundering and other activities that could threaten Liberia’s economic and national security.
The LNP commended officers assigned to the Tienii Checkpoint for their vigilance and professionalism. The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant government institutions to combat financial crimes. Authorities have not indicated whether the US$400,000 has been forfeited or what further action may be taken against Toure pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident highlights the challenges of monitoring and controlling the flow of goods and services across Liberia's borders. The country's porous borders have long been a concern for authorities seeking to prevent smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.
The Liberia National Police have been working to enhance security measures at border points, including the deployment of personnel and the use of technology to detect and prevent crimes. The police have also been collaborating with international partners to build their capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions against Toure or the seized cash remain to be seen. The incident has sparked concerns about the prevalence of undeclared cash and financial crimes in Liberia.
Key points
- The Liberia National Police seized US$400,000 in undeclared cash at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County.
- The cash was discovered during a routine security operation on Tuesday, October 6.
- The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with no final determination made regarding whether any law was violated.
