This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
On November 26, 2019, a significant development took place in the Sh41 billion tax evasion dispute involving tycoon Humphrey Kariuki.
Africa Spirits Limited director Geoffrey Mbobua, who is also an advocate of the High Court, has been charged alongside Kariuki in the high-profile case.
Mbobua has denied 18 counts of failing to pay tax, fraud in relation to tax, aiding the commission of tax offences, being in possession of counterfeit excise stamps and excisable goods.
According to the charges, Mbobua is accused of aiding two companies linked to Kariuki, ASL and Wow Beverages, to conceal 122,610 bottles of assorted alcoholic drinks affixed with counterfeit excise stamps with the intention of avoiding payment of requisite tax.
Defence lawyers Wilfred Nderitu and Gladys Mwangi informed the court that Mbobua had filed an application in the High Court challenging his prosecution.
As a result, Mbobua was ordered to deposit his passport in court.
The case will be mentioned on December 10 for further directions.
