The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has launched a formal investigation into allegations of theft involving a passenger’s belongings at Roberts International Airport (RIA), following a viral social media post by Sabey Varpilah, a Liberian traveler who recently flew via Royal Air Maroc.
Mr. Varpilah’s experience, shared on May 16, details a troubling encounter at the airport before his departure to the United States. He alleges that after repacking his luggage due to an overweight issue and paying additional baggage fees in cash, reportedly due to non-functional ATMs, he was summoned by airport staff regarding food items in his luggage that allegedly required certificates.
According to Varpilah, during his interaction with customs officers, he was discreetly urged to provide a “compensation” for the missing documentation. Without the U.S. dollars requested, he says he was eventually cleared to continue his journey. However, upon arriving in the U.S., he discovered that nine parcels were missing from his checked baggage, including items he was carrying for friends and family.
“Had I been told that I couldn’t carry the items, I would have left them with my family,” Varpilah wrote. “The fact that they were taken without any explanation or notification is unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Monday, May 19, the LAA expressed concern over the allegations and confirmed that a review of CCTV footage from the specified period is already underway. The Authority also called on Mr. Varpilah to cooperate by providing more detailed information to assist in the probe.
“We take these allegations seriously,” the LAA said. “We remain committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and the protection of passengers’ rights at all our facilities.”
The Authority stressed its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, adding that any individuals found to have been involved will face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Roberts International Airport, Liberia’s main gateway to the world, has previously come under fire for concerns related to service quality, lack of modern systems, and poor traveler experiences. This latest incident has reignited public calls for greater accountability, modernization of procedures, and the elimination of unofficial practices that often compromise the safety and dignity of travelers.
The LAA encouraged the public to report similar incidents and assured all stakeholders that it is committed to restoring trust and upholding the highest standards of airport operations.
