A joint operation between Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) investigations team and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unraveled a unique concealment trick employed by unscrupulous traders in an ethanol smuggling racket. The intelligence-led operation that began on 25th August, 2024 led to the seizure of 40,971 litres of smuggled ethanol valued at Kshs. 26.9 million. The consignment, concealed as imported molasses, would have led to the loss of over Kshs. 20.5 million in taxes. The ethanol was being transported to Limuru in two trucks each carrying approximately 13,000 litres. The main compartments of both tankers were filled with only 2,720 litres of molasses, while the rest included concealed compartments filled with ethanol. The valves of the tankers were constructed to drain molasses whereas the ethanol, being the bulk of the content, remained hidden and could only be drawn through pipes passed through the hidden compartments. The teams scanned the vehicles to ascertain the concealed compartments and later drew the contents for forensic tests to establish the chemical composition. The goods are currently at a KRA warehouse for further investigations and processing of suspects. Available information indicates that both trucks are owned by Mr Isaac Kahugu. One of the tanker drivers, Mr Edward Otundo, was arrested while the other escaped. The suspect is currently held at Capitol Hill Police station. Ethanol smuggling and manufacturing of counterfeit alcoholic drinks creates economic losses and poses health and safety risks to the citizenry. Smuggled ethanol is used in the manufacture of cheap counterfeited alcoholic brands. Unscrupulous traders employ various tricks to conceal the illicit ethanol, making it hard to detect. Last year alone, 60,000 litres of smuggled ethanol were impounded. KRA’s sustained vigilance and unravelling of these schemes and other financial labyrinths has helped to successfully botch tax evasion schemes that would have led to loss of substantial amounts of taxes. KRA is also working closely with other government agencies in the fight against illicit trade and other transnational crimes to safeguard Kenya’s national interests.
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