DCI Bust Suspect With Firearm, Seize Fake KRA Stamps

The DCI stated that the arrest was part of an ongoing crackdown on counterfeit products in the market

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jan 18, 2023 - 09:26 Updated: Jan 18, 2023 - 09:30
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DCI Bust Suspect With Firearm, Seize Fake KRA Stamps
Fake stamps seized by DCI during a raid on January 17, 2023. /DCI

Detectives from the  Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, January 17 arrested six suspects found manufacturing fake stamps.

The DCI stated that the arrest was part of an ongoing crackdown on counterfeit products in the market dubbed 'Operation Uchumi' meant to seize those producing counterfeited Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps.

Peter Mburu, James Kigera, Frankline M’Mburia, Mary Wanjiku, Titus Ndegwa and Jane Muthoni were rounded up in different parts of Nairobi and counterfeit stamps including those from Tanzania Revenue Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority were recovered.

Officers outside the entrance of DCI headquarters. /FILE

"One of the suspects Titus Ndegwa who was arrested at his residence in Thindigua was found to be a civilian firearm holder whose firearm a Glock pistol, loaded with 9 rounds of ammunition was confiscated," stated the DCI in part.

The suspects are currently in custody at Muthaiga Police Station and being processed for arraignment.

The raid followed a directive by President William Ruto to the police, to conduct intelligence-led operations targeting counterfeit goods, after it was discovered that crooked businessmen had devised ways of evading taxation.

Following the directive, the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday, November 7, 2022 ordered a countrywide crackdown on illegal business entities.

“This follows the detection of numerous tax evasion schemes around the country which deny the government due revenue to fund public services.

"The crackdown is to commence with immediate effect under the coordination of respective commanders at all levels,” then-acting Inspector General, Noor Gabow directed. 

President Ruto had in 2022 given KRA a target of collecting Ksh4 trillion in tax to finance the Kenya Kwanza government operations.

“We must move our revenue collection from 14 per cent to 25 per cent. From Ksh2.1 trillion to between Ksh4 trillion and Ksh5 trillion,” Ruto said during a service at Faith Evangelistic Ministry in Karen, Nairobi.

Fake stamps seized by DCI during a raid on January 17, 2023. /DCI

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