A multi-agency team is probing a world automobile smuggling syndicate importing autos by Mombasa port.
The Kenya Income Authority (KRA) is now in search of worldwide investigation and enforcement companies to arrest and prosecute a cartel behind the worldwide automobile smuggling syndicate.
“We’re working with different native and worldwide investigation companies to nab and prosecute the culprits who’re behind this worldwide automobile smuggling syndicate,” Commissioner, Customs and Border Management Kelvin Safari mentioned.
Within the newest racket at the port, KRA mentioned it has intercepted two luxurious autos from the UK that weren’t declared by the importer.
Import paperwork indicated that the container was carrying one Mercedes Benz A180 and a BMW 125I Sport however declaration paperwork acknowledged the 40-foot container was loaded with a second-hand Vary Rover sport HSE SDV6 and one unit of used BMW X5.
The autos, with an obligation worth price hundreds of thousands, arrived at the port on board the MV Maersk Brooklyn on February 19, 2019, mentioned Mr Safari, in an announcement to the press.
The container was imported from the UK and was in transit to Uganda.
“When the container was scanned on March 28, 2019, photos revealed the shapes of the 2 high-end autos.
“Upon 100 per cent verification by a multi-agency team on April 3, 2019, the container was discovered with one unit used Vary Rover Sport HSE SDV6 and one unit used BMW X5,” mentioned Mr Safari.
Mr Safari added that the autos declared within the manifest and invoice of lading weren’t discovered within the container.
In line with the manifest, the exporter was Mr Kola Solomon from London, UK, and the consignee was listed as Mr Namanya Alex of Kampala, Uganda.
He mentioned KRA will proceed to speculate closely in scanning tools and reiterated that the authority would proceed being vigilant till cartels are eradicated.
The autos and the container had been seized below the provisions of Sections 210 and 212 of East African Neighborhood Customs Administration Act, 2004.