Director of Criminal Investigations, George Kinoti, together with the Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet and KRA officials, on Friday, seized fake and counterfeit products worth Ksh1.2 billion from a brewery located in Thika.
Reports from KRA state the goods included an estimated 21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 litres of illicit products.
The brewery by the name, Africa Spirit Limited, has allegedly been manufacturing a large consignment of both counterfeit excise stamps and illicit alcohol.
“This is a case of tax evasion and manufacture of fake and counterfeit drugs that imperil the health of those who consume alcoholic drinks,” Boinnet stated.
The Inspector General added the company premises has been marked as a scene of crime.
“Unfortunately, the owners of these premises have gone to hiding. Why hide if you know you have done nothing wrong?” Boinnet questioned.
The factory’s production manager was arraigned in court and detained for seven days to facilitate further investigations.
“One of the people producing the alcohol is in custody,” Boinnet cited.
The Government is on a campaign against illicit trade aimed at ensuring compliance with tax and consumer protection laws.
The Inspector warned,“ Anyone who slept on their job will face the music.”
Some of the spirits the company produces are; Glen Rock, Legend Black, Blue Moon, Legend Brandy, Gypsy King and Furaha.
Video courtesy:
DCI boss George Kinoti reveals a mega tax evasion scheme at a brewery in Thika pic.twitter.com/Cn4ybGBHHo
