Smartphone customs fraud: KRA finds 55,607 phones against 3,000 declared at Eldoret Airport
The discrepancy exposed a potential Sh50.4 million revenue loss to the Government, according to KRA.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has discovered a significant smartphone customs fraud at Eldoret International Airport. Only 3,000 smartphones were declared out of 55,607 found in an imported consignment, resulting in a potential Sh50.4 million revenue loss to the government. The shipment, which included shoes, clothing, automotive spare parts, household goods, and electronic accessories, was intercepted following intelligence indicating un-manifested mobile phones and other high-value electronic goods.
KRA's targeted verification revealed 55,607 ordinary smartphones were under-declared, along with 309 un-declared high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. This discovery highlights significant concealment and misrepresentation of dutiable goods, showing a substantial understatement of the tax obligation on the shipment.
The operation, conducted based on actionable intelligence, is part of KRA's intelligence-led, risk- and sector-based enforcement strategy. Further investigations are underway to identify individuals and entities involved in the suspected fraud and trace any wider networks connected. Those found guilty will face prosecution. KRA is committed to protecting government revenue, disrupting illicit trade, and safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s Customs system, urging the public to report any information on customs fraud through their iWhistle platform, assuring confidentiality for informants.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
