Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has initiated asset seizures against companies linked to Kamlesh Pattni, the central figure in the Goldenberg scandal, to recover Sh2.2 billion in unpaid taxes. Auctioneers acting on KRA's behalf recently seized alcoholic beverages, a truck, and office equipment from Suzan Duty Free's warehouse at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The assets are part of a broader effort to collect Sh2,207,884,743, comprising Sh748,427,763 in principal taxes and Sh1,459,456,980 in interest.
Suzan Duty Free, which KRA alleges is connected to Pattni's Diplomatic Duty Free Ltd, became the target after the latter company collapsed. A KRA-appointed auctioneer stated that assets and liabilities of Diplomatic Duty Free were transferred to Suzan Duty Free, justifying the seizure. Pattni's Dubai-based Suzan General Trading Jtl, which owns Suzan Duty Free, has been embroiled in legal battles since 2013 over the tax obligations.
In 2018, the High Court in Nairobi ruled against Suzan General Trading Jtl, rejecting its attempt to halt KRA's enforcement actions. The court dismissed the company's claim that debts owed by Diplomatic Duty Free Ltd did not apply to its operations. A subsequent appeal also failed, paving the way for the current asset seizure. The case highlights the ongoing conflict between KRA and Pattni's business network, with the auction of seized goods expected to proceed in the coming weeks.
