Liberia, July 3 -- Lemu's Clearing and Forwarding Services Chief Executive Officer, William Dewalt, has refuted media reports accusing him of labor exploitation, political connections, and profiteering through foreign business interests, calling the claims "false and misleading."

In a press conference, Dewalt said the allegations were spread by "pay agents" intent on damaging his reputation.

"There is this speculation in the media that 90 percent of our staff have no formal employment contracts, no social security registration, and no medical insurance. That's wrong," he said.

He added, "Everybody that's here, has the contract file. It's in the office." Dewalt attributed the accusations to envy from competitors.

"It's jealousy, envy....