The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Wednesday intercepted gold bars worth more than Sh100 Million and arrested a Tanzanian national in Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the body disclosed that they acted on intelligence received and seized 32,255.50 grams of gold bars at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The prime suspect had arrived in the country from Tanzania and was supposed to board a flight in Nairobi to take him to his final destination, Dubai.
“The suspect was seized following intelligence alert. He had arrived at JKIA at 1505hrs on Friday, February 16, on board Precision Airlines from Mwanza via Kilimanjaro and was heading to Dubai aboard Kenya Airways,” the statement read in part.
The 46-year-old was also found with an accompanying invoice for $859,890.
[caption caption="A section of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)"]
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Sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and officers from the Revenue Protection Service interrogated him following his arrest.
The current constitutional dispensation restricts the transiting of unwrought precious metals and precious stones across the region.
KRA stated: “The transportation of goods is contrary to provisions of the East Africa Community, Customs Management Act 2004 Section 85(3) and Second Schedule Part B(4).”
The gold bars are currently being held by KRA, Customs and Border Control.
The taxman further noted that police were expediting investigations into the matter.
[caption caption="Some of the gold bars confiscated by authorities after a recent operation"]
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