IAA Refutes Corruption Allegations

The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) categorically refutes recent media reports suggesting the Agency’s involvement in corrupt practices related to the awarding of a service contract to a Liberian-owned business, E-12. These claims are baseless, misleading, and represent a gross mischaracterization of standard procurement and operational procedures within the Agency. To set the record straight, the IAA issues the following clarifications for public awareness: The IAA confirms that it entered into a three-month renewable contract with E-12, a duly registered Liberian company, for the rental of a vehicle. The contract, effective for a limited period, stipulated a daily rental rate of US$65.00, totaling US$1,950 monthly strictly for days the service was utilized. The Agency did not pay for days when the vehicle was not used, nor did it cover the driver’s salary or maintenance costs. This pay-as-used model ensured cost-efficiency and accountability. 
The contract with E-12 expired on June 30, 2025, in line with public procurement regulations. A new three-month renewable contract has since been awarded to a different provider under the same terms and conditions. The IAA underscores that had procurement rules allowed for a longer extension, E-12 would have remained a preferred partner due to its excellent service delivery. Contrary to public speculation, E-12 has no connection to the Director General, his spouse, or any immediate family member. The company is fully compliant with Liberian laws and has submitted all required documentation including its Articles of Incorporation, Business Registration, and Tax Clearance. These documents are available for inspection at the IAA, the Liberia Revenue Authority, or the Business Registry. The selection of E-12 followed a transparent and competitive procurement process. The agreed US$65.00 daily rate is consistent with prevailing market prices for similar services. Since October 1, 2022, the IAA has operated without a single utility vehicle. Budgetary limitations have prevented the purchase of such an asset, necessitating the rental of vehicles to support essential operations, including field visits to auditors across ministries and agencies, trips to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and bank transactions. During the contract period, multiple staff members commended E-12’s driver for his professionalism and reliability. Based on this feedback, the Agency extended a token gratuity in appreciation an act rooted in merit and not misconduct. 
The documents currently circulating on social media were extracted from IAA files without authorization and are being misused to push a false narrative. The Agency is taking steps to investigate this breach of protocol. The Internal Audit Agency reiterates its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of accountability. While these unfounded allegations seek to distract from our mandate to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the public sector, we remain undeterred. The public and media are encouraged to visit the IAA to review any procurement documents of interest. A simple professional inquiry could have clarified the matter without sensationalism.