This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On Friday, September 14, 2019, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers made a significant arrest at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. A woman, identified as Jane Mary Muthoni Gichengo, was detained upon arrival from China, suspected of being part of a criminal network that manufactures and distributes fake excise revenue stamps in Kenya.
According to KRA, the stamps are manufactured in China and then concealed and shipped to Kenya, where they are distributed through a local cartel to alcohol manufacturers and distributors, facilitating nonpayment of taxes to the government.
"KRA confirms the arrest of a suspected peddler of fake excise revenue stamps at JKIA upon her arrival from China. Jane Mary Muthoni Gichengo, is suspected to be part of a criminal network that manufactures excise stamps in China and consigns them to Kenya under concealment," KRA said in a statement.
As part of the fight against illicit products in the local market, KRA has been working to seal revenue loopholes. Last month, the Authority destroyed illicit products worth over Sh1.5 billion, which were seized from traders in Nairobi and its environs and were being sold in violation of regulations stipulated under the Excise Duty Act.
