MTN hits back at Cameroon fraud allegations

MTN today insisted “it is not and has never been implicated in corruption related actions” in Cameroon, after coming under fire from regulators in the country for alleged wrongdoing.

Along with MTN, France’s Orange and state-owned CamTel are reportedly accused by the country’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac) of defrauding the state of $289 million by evading taxes, royalties and receiving illegal tax rebates.

In a statement, MTN, the country’s market leader, hit back, affirming that its “interactions with the government of Cameroon and its representatives have always been transparent, and in conformity with the laws of the Republic of Cameroon”.

Bloomberg reported yesterday that MTN officials were studying the report, but MTN said in its statement that the company is still waiting to receive a copy.

It added that the company is one of two of the biggest contributors to the state in terms of taxes and customs duties, and is “up to date with regard to its fiscal obligations to the relevant authorities in Cameroon, in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations”.

The issue dates back to activities from 2010 through to 2014, with Conac reportedly claiming the ministries of finance and post and telecommunications colluded with the three operators by providing illegal tax rebates.

The telecoms regulator board is also accused of failing to act on the situation.

Conac’s Vice President Garga Haman Adji told Bloomberg he expects there will be a legal investigation over the matter.

With MTN currently embroiled in legal proceedings with Nigerian regulators over the hefty $3.9 billion fine, it is facing in the country, another flare up in one of its other major markets is something it could indeed do without.

Orange and CamTel have yet to officially comment on the situation