The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) took disciplinary action against eight officers – including three terminations and three dismissals – for engaging in bribery for the release of a container without the payment of the relevant taxes.
A press release from the GRA on Friday announced the completion of the investigation launched into allegations that monies were collected by a number of GRA staffers, for the release of a container, without the relevant and lawfully required taxes being paid.
“The GRA wishes to advise that after the allegation surfaced, a team was established to conduct an investigation into the matter,” the release said.
It said that based on the findings of the investigation and following approval by the GRA’s Governing Board, the following measures were taken: the services of three officers were terminated; three officers were dismissed; one officer was suspended without pay for two weeks from March 16, 2012; and one officer was transferred and demoted.
“Contrary to previous reports which were carried in the media, the investigation stemmed from an allegation that a businessman had paid $2 million as an incentive to GRA Officers for his tax liability to be reduced,” the release said.
The release said the GRA reiterates that its mission is to promote compliance with Guyana’s tax, trade and border laws and regulations and therefore, “any staff within its ranks found to be in collusion with taxpayers to defraud the authority or the state of revenue will be dealt with accordingly.”
