Sh41 Billion Tax Evasion: Wanted Kenyan Tycoon Humphrey Kariuki Traced in London

The search for wanted Kenyan billionaire businessman Humphrey Kariuki has shifted to Europe after detectives reported to have traced him in London, the United Kingdom.

Kariuki, who is being sought by Kenyan authorities over allegations of tax evasion, reportedly traveled to London last week from South Africa, police said.

Police believe the tycoon was headed to Cyprus, a European island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, where he is a citizen, according to Citizen Digital.

Kenyan prosecutors will this week be seeking an international arrest warrant for Kariuki, who is accused of evading taxes amounting to Sh41 billion through his companies Africa Spirits Limited and Wines of the World (WOW).

Last week, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest and charge him with evasion of taxes.

The State will also be seeking to repossess Kariuki’s assets that include a five-star hotel in Nanyuki, a multi-billion-shilling mall in Nairobi, private planes and over 80 high-end vehicles registered under his name.

In February this year, a Nairobi court granted orders to freeze 11 bank accounts associated with the tycoon over alleged tax evasion amounting to Sh3 billion.

This came after police raided Africa Spirits Limited plant in Thika, Kiambu County and recovered Sh21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 liters of illicit liquor.