38 KRA officers detained for 14 days over tax evasion scheme

38 KRA officers detained for 14 days over tax evasion scheme

Thirty-eight officers of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) were Monday arraigned in court after they were arrested on allegations of abetting tax evasion and bribery.

The prosecution had sought for 21 days to complete investigations but Resident Magistrate Paul Mayova allowed for 14 days.

The matter will be mentioned on May 27, 2019 to confirm progress of the investigations.

The prosecution, through Inspector Arthur K. Onyango, submitted that it was seeking to arrest more suspects as well as conduct a forensic examination on mobile phones, computers and other electronics obtained from the suspects.

“The activities of the respondents and their associates pose a great risk to the mainstay of the economy hence risking the national security and their actions must be fully investigated,” submitted the prosecution.

Inspector Onyango told the court that the evidence so far gathered and credible intelligence show that the accused were actively involved and colluded with certain tax payers in criminal enterprise to evade payment of taxes or reduce tax liability.

Onyango argued that being employees of KRA, on either permanent or contract basis, the suspects are aware of the KRA system and are capable of interfering with investigations by either directly or through offsite location and should thus be detained pending conclusion of investigations.

He further stated that 48 colleagues of the respondents are at large and are being actively pursued by security agencies.

“Investigations are complex and require a details analysis in respect to over 178 mobile phones numbers and Mpesa statements,” the court heard.

The suspects were arrested on Friday last week.

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KRA tax evasion

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