Police seize cigarettes and fake KRA stamps in Kiambu

Detective teams have apprehended assorted cigarettes and bundles of alleged counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise duty stamps in Githunguri Township, Kiambu County, as part of an investigation into an alleged illicit cigarette distribution scheme. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported the intelligence-driven operation, which targeted a businessman suspected of involvement in the unlawful sale and distribution of uncustomed and smuggled cigarettes.

The detectives had been monitoring activities linked to two locations before executing the search operation.

DCI spokesperson disclosed that undercover officers had been observing the premises and gathering intelligence on the suspect's movements prior to the operation. Upon search, authorities discovered various boxes and loose packets of cigarettes, along with bundles of potentially counterfeit KRA excise duty stamps. The premises have been secured while detectives await the KRA Investigations and Enforcement team to inspect the seized items.

The examination aims to ascertain the genuineness of the stamps and to evaluate the scale of the suspected illicit trade. The suspect, Mwangi, managed to escape arrest and remains at large, with detectives actively pursuing leads to apprehend him as investigators continue probing the suspected distribution network. The DCI stated that the operation was executed in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks involved in counterfeit and illicit goods, aiming to protect businesses adhering to tax and customs regulations and safeguard government revenue.

Counterfeit or missing excise stamps can enable cigarettes to enter the market without proper taxation, while smuggled products can undermine licensed distributors. The KRA examination is anticipated to furnish additional details on the seized products and stamps, aiding investigators in determining whether the items are connected to a broader supply chain.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to combat cigarette smuggling and counterfeiting in counties near Nairobi. Once the seized items are examined and the suspect is located, investigators will decide the subsequent steps in the case. The DCI affirmed that intelligence-led operations targeting illicit trade networks will persist in collaboration with other agencies, as authorities strive to curb smuggling, counterfeiting, and the evasion of excise duty.