Two persons have been arraigned before the Milimani Law Court Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi for being in possession of excisable goods affixed with counterfeit excise stamps with a revenue implication of KShs. 1,430,370.

The accused persons; Francis Mbarire Hungi who is a driver and his “turn boy” Benson Mwangi Mburu were found conveying 16560 bottles of 2500ml Venice vodka affixed with counterfeit excise stamps along the Bomet-Narok Highway on 21st September 2021.

Being in possession or conveying Excisable Goods Affixed with Counterfeit Excise Stamps is contrary to Section 40 of Excise Duty Act and Regulation 30(1)(g) as read with Regulation 30(2) of the Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management System) Regulations, 2017. Regulation 30(2) provides for a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both upon conviction.

They were each released on a bond KShs. 500,000/= and a surety of similar amount or a cash bail of KShs.300,000/= with a surety of a similar amount. The case will mentioned on 13th October 2021.

Use of counterfeit excise stamps is a form of tax evasion that denies the government the much-needed revenue. KRA Investigation will not relent on operations aimed at detecting, disrupting and deterring the use of counterfeit stamps on excisable goods by syndicates and organized cartels in order to enhance revenue collection.

Commissioner Investigations and Enforcement