Police in Nairobi have arrested 18 individuals caught offloading fabric at a go-down in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The cargo, which had been declared for export, was allegedly diverted for local use, prompting an operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit trailed the shipment for three days after receiving intelligence that the importers intended to divert it. Originally declared for export to Tanzania and Uganda, the cargo left the Mombasa port before being secretly rerouted to Nairobi. The truck carrying the goods was driven into a warehouse in Eastleigh, where the suspects began offloading it before law enforcement officers swooped in and made the arrests.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are also probing claims that similar cases of cargo diversion have been rampant in the area, causing significant revenue losses amounting to millions of shillings. The go-down has been sealed off pending further inspection by both the police and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
This case underscores a broader issue of tax evasion and smuggling, which has long plagued Kenya’s import-export sector. By fraudulently declaring goods for export and subsequently diverting them into the local market, unscrupulous traders evade duties and taxes, depriving the government of critical revenue.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police in Mombasa arrested a man suspected of being part of a container burglary syndicate after months of investigations. The suspect was apprehended in Nairobi while traveling from Mombasa. Authorities allege he was involved in stealing a condemned detergent, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, which was being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Following his arrest, stolen goods were reportedly recovered at a store in Kalu Works, Changamwe. The suspect has been detained at Kilindini Police Station for seven days as investigations continue. Law enforcement believes the suspect is part of a larger syndicate involved in the sale of condemned goods across Mombasa and its surroundings.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has implemented stringent security measures to curb such crimes, including restricted port access, mandatory identification for all visitors, and enhanced security patrols. Despite these efforts, smuggling and cargo theft remain persistent challenges, necessitating continued vigilance and multi-agency collaboration to combat economic crimes.
