SECURITY OFFICER CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO EVADE 6 MILLION KENYA SHILLINGS

SECURITY OFFICER CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO EVADE 6M

By Donald Kogai

A Security Officer was charged before Milimani Court with conspiracy to evade taxes by negligently allowing a truck carrying goods to leave Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Athi River thereby facilitating the irregular clearance of goods.

The the action led to a loss of Kshs. 6 million in customs revenue.

Mr. Daniel Mutinda Kinyingi appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Sinkiyian Tobiko.

He is jointly charged alongside director of the clearing company; Buyers Logistics Limited and other workers with conspiring to evade taxes on the importation of 314 rolls of 100 per cent polyester fabric on 19th October 2018 at EPZ, Athi River.

The offence is contrary to the provisions of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004.

Others jointly charged in the offence are Mr. Stanley Nyaga, Mr. Levi Kinoti, Mr. Abdi Elema and Ms Irene Oyunge. Mr. Elema is yet to appear in court.

Mr Nyaga and Mr. Kinoti are both facing two other charges of removing goods from EPZ without following Customs rules and regulations and also making a fake Customs entry to facilitate clearance of the consignment.

Additionally, Ms Oyunge faces a charge of making a false entry number in the rotation register to assist others to evade payment of taxes.

Mr. Mutinda denied the charge and was released on a bond of Kshs. 200,000/- with one (1) surety.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) strives to ensure all eligible taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes and remain tax compliant to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution.

KRA remains committed to building taxpayers trust through facilitation to foster Compliance with Tax and Customs Legislation to continually improve service delivery and revenue collection.

KRA also endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through provision of a courteous and professional service.