This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
November 21, 2019, marked a significant day for Samsutech Corporation Limited, a Samsung distributor with ties to Asian tycoon Piyush Patel. The company's troubles began when it was discovered that Patel had bribed senior managers at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to hide his tax files.
Patel, also known as 'Double P' in the Asian community, has been accused of colluding with KRA officials to claim that Samsutech is a distributor, rather than a sole agent for Samsung. This classification has allowed the company to evade taxes worth over Sh1 billion.
According to sources, KRA enforcement recommended that Patel be charged with tax evasion, but he allegedly compromised senior KRA managers at the Nairobi Mayfair Hotel, where millions of shillings exchanged hands. Despite the case being approved for court, it remains pending.
Patel has been hiding in his private residence in Karen, avoiding his usual Spring Valley house. He has also closed his shop on Koinange Street in Nairobi's city center, preferring to use it as a drop and collection center. Additionally, he has Godwons in the Nairobi Industrial area.
Patel's involvement in the downfall of Nakumatt Supermarkets has also been linked to his business dealings. His account payments were allegedly used for money laundering, running into billions of shillings, by fellow Asians.
Samsutech imports and distributes a range of Samsung products, including extra modern TV sets, fridges, cookers, microwaves, and other electronics. The company supplies major outlets in East and Central Africa, including Naivas, Tuskys, and Quickmatt.
