Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-02 23:27:54
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is gearing up to host a significant event at its headquarters in Paynesville on April 4th. This one-day High-level Hybrid launch will introduce the OECD/UNDP Tax Inspectors Without Borders for Criminal Investigations (TIWB-CI) program, marking a crucial step in bolstering the nation’s capacity to combat tax crimes. The TIWB-CI program is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aimed at disseminating knowledge and best practices to enhance tax administrations’ ability to tackle tax crimes effectively.
At the core of this initiative is a self-assessment exercise utilizing the OECD Tax Crime Investigation Maturity Model (Maturity Model), which provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of tax crime investigation practices. The LRA is committed to fostering inter-agency collaboration, working closely with various law enforcement agencies and competent authorities such as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, Ministry of Justice, and Financial Intelligence Unit to strengthen the nation’s capacity for tax crime investigations.
During the launch event, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah will emphasize the organization’s dedication to the TIWB-CI project and its vital role in empowering Liberia to combat illicit financial activities, thereby supporting domestic resource mobilization efforts. The event will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing local and international participants, including domestic law enforcement and financial crimes agencies in Liberia, to join either in-person at the LRA premises or via Zoom, facilitated by the OECD.
Following the launch, an introductory session will be held to familiarize all participants with the TIWB-CI program, its objectives, and the upcoming self-assessment workshop scheduled for the following week. The workshop is set to take place from April 8 to 11, 2024, in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, and will play a crucial role in strengthening Liberia’s capacity for effective tax crime investigations. Led by Olivia Okello, a seasoned expert with experience in criminal investigations and intelligence from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the workshop aims to evaluate Liberia’s tax crime regime, showcasing the country’s active involvement in the joint OECD-UNDP TIWB-CI program.
The TIWB-CI program, designed to offer technical assistance, seeks to enhance jurisdictions’ tax crime frameworks and expedite the resolution of tax crime cases through real-time support for complex investigations. Taking a holistic ‘whole of government’ approach to combat illicit financial flows, the involvement of each agency is vital to ensuring the program’s success in Liberia. This event not only marks a significant milestone in the fight against tax crimes but also underscores Liberia’s commitment to international cooperation through partnerships with organizations like the OECD and UNDP.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
