The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji, on Friday, revealed how they got to know and initiate investigations into the massive tax evasion scheme at KRA.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, DPP Haji disclosed that his office received intelligence information indicating that a number of KRA staff have been colluding with certain taxpayers in a criminal enterprise to evade payment of taxes.
"Following the receipt of the intelligence information, I directed the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately launch investigations of both KRA staff and their co-conspirators," he divulged.
Haji noted that the criminal scheme had over a period of time occasioned a reduction in tax collection by KRA.
"Preliminary investigations have so far revealed that 80 KRA staff are part and parcel of the criminal enterprise aimed at denying the country the much-needed revenue. These included 62 from the Domestic Taxes Department (DTD) and 18 from the Customs and Border Control Department," he added.
The DPP further stated that the officers were in senior and middle-level management and had betrayed the public trust bestowed upon them and by extension the institution of KRA.
He justified the crackdown as one geared to restore sanity in the management of the country's revenue collection.
"Although service delivery within KRA may be affected due to the high number of suspects involved, I note that the investigations and probable prosecution of culpable individuals is a desirable step that must be taken to deter such incidences now and in the future," Haji explained.
In his statement, the DPP assured Kenyans that the fight against corruption would continue unhindered and would be extended to all public entities that are charged with the management of public funds and affairs.
"The same will, however, be waged within the law and the rights of all the affected persons will at all times be respected," he concluded.
Here is the full statement by the the DPP:
