This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji ordered the arrest of billionaire Humphrey Kariuki over a Sh41 billion tax evasion scheme.
Police were hunting for Kariuki until the evening of August 8, 2019, after the DPP said there was adequate evidence to charge the businessman and other suspects for being in possession of unaccustomed goods, counterfeit excise stamps, tax evasion, and fraud.
The raid at Africa Spirits Limited, led by Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet and senior Kenya Revenue Authority officials, uncovered an estimated 21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 litres of illicit products worth billions of shillings in taxes.
Mr. Haji further ordered the DCI to investigate the tycoon for money laundering, a blot on Mr. Kariuki's reputation, who has built a multibillion empire including the five-star luxurious Mt. Kenya Safari Club.
Mr. Haji said, 'I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence to charge the suspects for the offences of being in possession of unaccustomed goods, counterfeit excise stamps, and aiding in the commission of tax. Consequently, I have today directed the DCI to cause the arrest and immediate arraignment of the suspects in court.'
