US Offers Ksh232 Million in Hunt for These 2 Kenyans [PHOTOS]

US Embassy, Nairobi, Charge d’Affaires Eric Kneedler at the DCI HQ on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
US Embassy, Nairobi, Charge d’Affaires Eric Kneedler at the DCI HQ on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Courtesy

The United States has announced a reward of up to Ksh232 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two Kenyan fugitives.

In the announcement dated Thursday, May 26, the US stated that it is ready to pay millions of shillings for any information on the whereabouts of Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh and Abdi Hussein Ahmed.

The US Embassy in Nairobi Charge d’Affaires, Eric Kneedler, stated that the two are believed to have been involved in a conspiracy to smuggle at least 190 kilograms of rhinoceros horns and at least ten tons of elephant ivory.

US Embassy, Nairobi, Charge d’Affaires Eric Kneedler and DCI Boss George Kinoti at the DCI HQ on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
US Embassy, Nairobi, Charge d’Affaires Eric Kneedler and DCI Boss George Kinoti at the DCI HQ on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Capital Group

“Eradicating drug and wildlife trafficking are priorities of the President Joe Biden administration. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the government of Kenya to capture and arrest members of these criminal networks,” Kneedler stated.

The two are listed as violators of US narcotics and wildlife trafficking laws and have been on the run due to the nature of the crimes they are accused of committing.

Ahmed was implicated in a case where a gang of traffickers was accused of smuggling about 200 kilos of rhinoceros horns — which would have required killing more than 35 of the animals.

He was also implicated in handling over ten tons of ivory from elephant tusks. Combined, these items were valued at more than Ksh816 million.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had stated that Abdi Hussein Ahmed alias Abu Khadi, was also wanted for his involvement in handling narcotics.

"Ahmed and Saleh were members of a transnational criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in Uganda and surrounding countries that were engaged in the large-scale trafficking and smuggling of rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory, both protected wildlife species.  

"A trade involving endangered or threatened species violates several US laws, as well as international treaties implemented by certain US laws," the US Department of Justice stated in an alert.

Wanted Kenyans fugitives, Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh and Abdi Hussein Ahmed pictures were displayed at the DCI HQ on Thursday, 26, 2022.
Wanted Kenyans fugitives, Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh and Abdi Hussein Ahmed pictures were displayed at the DCI HQ on Thursday, 26, 2022.
Courtesy

"From at least in or about December 2012 through at least in or about May 2019, Kromah, Cherif, SURUR, and Ahmed conspired to transport, distribute, sell, and smuggle at least approximately 190 kilograms of rhinoceros horns."

Those with information on the fugitives' whereabouts have been asked to contact the Fish and Wildlife Service on +1-844-FWS-TIPS or +1-844-397-8477 or email FWS TIPS@fws.gov, or the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations hotline +254(0)800722203, noting that the identities will be kept confidential.

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