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

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.
 

Comments

Settled Nomad (not verified)     Tue, 08/13/2019 @ 12:22pm

If his Companies are Limited liability Companies, why are the DPP and DCI looking for him? The only people that they can legally arrest, or charge in Court, for such a Company's offences, are the Accounting Officers, not the Owners, or Shareholders. This case seems similar to that of DCJ Mwilu, where the aim seems to be to embarrass, rather than to prosecute, or recover money. Besides, the Taxman can still attach property, and recover any money, without even going to Court.

Mugikuyu (not verified)     Tue, 08/13/2019 @ 06:16pm

In reply to by Settled Nomad (not verified)

@settlednomad you maybe right. Seems like some tall man is trying to settle a score, a power struggle embedded in total corruption. Perhaps he refused to pay the bribe or help them with the China bill.

Settled Nomad (not verified)     Wed, 08/14/2019 @ 09:59pm

In reply to by Mwangi Mwaura (not verified)

Then it is for the Accounting Officer to say so, and prove so, in Court. The Law recognizes A Company as a 'Person', or Legal Entity, distinct from its Owner, or Owners, which can sue, or be sued through its Employees. The Owner is not an Employee. That is why you have never heard of shareholders being prosecuted for a Company's 'sins'. Just as the DPP was told Mwilu's case belonged to the JSC, not to him, he will eventually be told he has no business chasing after Karanja around the world. The Law is clear that a Company can only be prosecuted via an Employee, such as an Accountant, or Manager.

Kora kanini (not verified)     Wed, 08/14/2019 @ 02:45pm

Bottom line, he was paying some people at KENYA REVENUE to avoid paying taxes...all he needs is man up and pay up Kenya happens to be the best place to avoid taxes...Corruption is in our DNA...IT STARTED after independence..remember Hon. Nyachae's interview...Jomo told him and I quote " If you're cooking you're entitled to TASTE"...But we stopped tasting to eating the whole meal.. EURO BONDS, NYS, ETC...And again...think about how much has being stolen and we haven't seen any convictions...These people and their offsprings will continue enjoying their ill gotten gains and we are happy calling them hustlers...and claiming of dynasties
......

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