DCI Raid Thika House, Seize 300 Cartons Of Fake Alcohol

A consignment of counterfeit alcoholic drinks was on Sunday, January 22 impounded by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following an ongoing operation on high-level tax evasion schemes by traders dealing in alcoholic products. 

Over 300 cartons containing thousands of bottles of counterfeited spirits destined for the local market were recovered, following the meticulous operation conducted by DCI sleuths and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The counterfeited drinks whose safety to consumers could not be immediately ascertained were packaged in branded bottles that are popular with the youth including, Kane Extra, King Vodka, Nest Vodka, Hunters Vodka, Chrome Vodka, Blue Ice Vodka, Konyagi, Triple Ace, Hunters Vodka, K.C Vodka, Kibao among others. 

Fake alcohol seized by DCI on January 22, 2023. /DCI

"Earlier, the detectives acting on intelligence had raided a residential property at Mugi Court in Makongeni Thika Sub-County, where empty bottles of different brands, hundreds of litres of ethanol and the illegal consignment were confiscated. 

"KRA officers accompanying our officers during the operation also confirmed that the seized drinks had counterfeited revenue stamps affixed on them," stated the DCI in part.

The recovery comes days after the detectives arrested suspects engaged in the printing of fake KRA stamps including those from neighbouring countries of Uganda and Tanzania.

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.

"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 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.