Allegations of Massive GST Evasion…
By Our Staff Writer/ Investigative Report
Mankind Pharmacy, a popular pharmaceutical business operating in Kenema, is facing serious allegations of large-scale tax evasion, corruption, and illicit financial flows following rigorous investigations by Day Break Newspaper.
According to the investigations, Mankind Pharmacy—owned by Mr. Vishnu Chaurasiya, with day-to-day operations allegedly overseen by his relative Mr. Aryan Namdeo—operates two outlets in Kenema: No. 4 Dama Road Junction and Kaisamba Terrace.
Massive Under-Declaration of Sales
Our investigations allege that while the pharmacy’s actual daily sales range between Le 20,000 and Le 30,000, records entered into the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Electronic Cash Register (ECR) reportedly show only Le 200 to Le 300 per day.
Even more troubling, he claims that these minimal figures are allegedly classified under untaxed malaria medicines, a category that attracts zero GST, in what he describes as a deliberate scheme to evade tax obligations.
“The real sales are never declared. More than 95% of the business is done in cash without receipts and without showing in the NRA system,” the investigations found out.
Stock Worth Millions, Taxes Paid in Hundreds
Our investigations further allege that Mankind Pharmacy holds stock valued at over Le 2,600,000, with daily purchases running into hundreds of thousands of Leones.
Despite this, the pharmacy reportedly underpays GST and PAYE/PIT, remitting less than Le 1,000 monthly in taxes.
If proven, these discrepancies could point to millions of Leones in lost government revenue.
Bribery Allegations Against NRA Officer
In a particularly grave claim, investigations allege that an NRA officer attached to the Kenema office, identified as Mr. Sannoh, has been actively aiding the alleged tax fraud.
According to our source, the officer is accused of accepting a monthly bribe of Le 500 in exchange for guidance on how to manipulate sales records and evade detection.
The source claims to possess:
Photographs;
Mobile phone contact details;
CCTV references from the pharmacy premises and
Financial documents allegedly contradicting NRA records
Our source further has called for a forensic review of the CCTV footage and a search of hidden accounting books allegedly kept in the upper-floor warehouse of the pharmacy.
Alleged Money Laundering and Hawala Transfers
The allegations extend beyond tax evasion. It was also revealed that profits from the undeclared sales are allegedly smuggled out of Sierra Leone to India through Hawala money-laundering networks, depriving the country of foreign exchange and development funds.
“This money comes from the pockets of innocent, hardworking Sierra Leoneans—poor and middle-class people—and is quietly sent abroad,” our source said.
Owner’s Alleged Response Raises Eyebrows
When Day Break contacted Mr. Vishnu Chaurasiya, the pharmacy owner reportedly redirected us to a Public Relations Officer (PRO).
The response from the PRO was blunt and dismissive:
“That is very stupid. Go ahead with your publication.”
This response, if accurately quoted, has intensified public interest and raised questions about the company’s willingness to address the allegations transparently.
Call for Immediate Investigation
The source is urging:
A full NRA audit of both Mankind Pharmacy branches; an independent anti-corruption probe into the named NRA officer; a review of CCTV footage and hidden financial records and collaboration with financial intelligence units to investigate alleged money laundering
Our source warned that petty bribery by a single official can cost the nation millions, undermining public trust and economic development.
Right of Reply
As of the time of publication, Mankind Pharmacy, its owner, and the NRA have not officially responded to these allegations. This medium remains open to publishing any clarification or response from all parties involved.
