GEORGETOWN: At least half the customs officers at the main airport in Guyana have been placed on administrative leave following a corruption investigation by tax authorities.
Guyana Revenue Authority Board Chairman Rawle Lucas says that 12 officers are suspected of colluding with importers to illegally reduce customs duties on goods arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in the South American nation.
Lucas said in an interview Thursday that the alleged corruption dates back at least several years and enabled importers to pay a fraction of the customs duties they should have paid. No criminal charges have yet been announced as the investigation continues. Lucas said the customs administration at the airport will be reorganized.
