TPL Missing files – collusion obvious: May 2, 2007:
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) considers the case involving the disappearance of files containing tax records of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) a very serious one in which collusion was obvious and refutes TPL’s Attorney’s charge of accountability by the GRA.

Following the release of the GRA’s statement on April 24, which stated that the police had been called in to investigate the disappearance of TPL’s records from the Customs and Trade Administration, TPL’s Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin provided a comment to the media questioning the protective measures within the GRA.

‘I am amazed at the conclusion drawn by the lawyer that seems to suggest that GRA is responsible for the disappearance without due regard to any involvement of his client to facilitate the so called disappearance,” the Commissioner-General said.

“If there was no high possibility that collusion was involved, we would not call in the Police,” he said.

“We consider collusion a criminal offence and we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure those involved are brought to justice,” he added.
The Commissioner-General questioned, “Why would the GRA want to dispose of records which are evidence of a huge amount of tax liability owing to the government?”

The GRA’s role is to ensure maximum revenue collection, protection and accountability, he emphasized, adding “Such an insinuation is therefore unfounded.”

The GRA will continue to support the Police in their ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner-General notes that the GRA’s actions are a message to parties who believe that collusion with GRA officers is sheltered.