This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Kenyan billionaire Humphrey Kariuki is wanted for tax evasion, with authorities tracing him to London, UK, after he reportedly traveled from South Africa last week.
According to police, Kariuki was headed to Cyprus, a European island country, where he holds citizenship.
Prosecutors will seek an international arrest warrant this week, accusing Kariuki of evading taxes worth Sh41 billion through his companies Africa Spirits Limited and Wines of the World.
As part of the investigation, the State will also seek to repossess Kariuki's assets, including a five-star hotel in Nanyuki, a multi-billion-shilling mall in Nairobi, private planes, and over 80 high-end vehicles registered under his name.
Earlier this year, a Nairobi court granted orders to freeze 11 bank accounts associated with Kariuki over alleged tax evasion amounting to Sh3 billion.
Police had previously raided Africa Spirits Limited's plant in Thika, Kiambu County, recovering Sh21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 liters of illicit liquor.
