This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepted two shipments at the Mombasa Port, foiling a tax evasion attempt worth over Ksh12 million.
The shipments included 144 drums of imported ethanol, which had been misdeclared as 1,000 bags of cement, and a luxury Range Rover Sport, which had been misdeclared as second-hand window frames, doors, folding chairs, stools, and wall pictures.
According to KRA, the ethanol was concealed in 285 boxes of spaghetti at the entrance of the containers to prevent detection.
The taxman used non-intrusive scanners to scan the shipments, which showed inconsistency with the declared contents.
A multi-agency team led by KRA confirmed that the three containers were indeed carrying 28,800 litres of concealed ethanol and a Range Rover.
The Range Rover, en route from Dubai to Uganda, is suspected to have been stolen from the United Kingdom.
Importation of ethanol is restricted, with only licensed firms and dealers allowed to import the product. Ethanol attracts an excise duty of Ksh6 million per 20-foot container.
