KRA Seek To Identity Criminals Selling Fraudulently Registered Cars To Kenyans

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commenced investigations to identify a ring of criminals who are selling fraudulently registered vehicles to unsuspecting Kenyans.

According to KRA Acting Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement Dr. Edward Karanja, the vehicles also include those whose import duty have not been paid.

“KRA has embarked on investigations to identify the perpetrators of the fraudulent scheme, it is conscious that some of these vehicles may have been sold to innocent Kenyans who are not part of the scheme,” said Dr Karanja.

Dr. Karanja said that the irregularly registered motor vehicles are prohibited imports since they do not comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) eight-year rule.

The East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 states that, “A person who — (d) acquires, has in his or her possession, keeps or conceals, or procures to be kept or concealed, any goods which he or she knows, or ought reasonably to have known, to be (iii) uncustomed goods, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value involved, or both of the goods.”

Dr Karanja also added that the authority has intensified its surveillance efforts which have seen trucks transporting prohibited, uncustomed goods, including excisable goods affixed with fake stamps or those not affixed with excise stamps intercepted.

“KRA wishes to urge the public to avoid the consequences of investigations and prosecution and seizure and detention of their goods. The truck/motor vehicle owners are required to know what their vehicles are carrying/conveying, the owner(s) of the goods and the actual destination where the goods are to be delivered.” he added.