KRA said verification was ongoing to determine the applicable customs and tax obligations. /KRAThe Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 529 assorted electronic items estimated at Sh13 million from an apartment in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected customs and tax evasion.
The operation followed reports that residential premises were being used for unauthorised commercial storage and retail activities.
“The intelligence indicated that a foreign national was allegedly operating an illegal business involving the movement and storage of electronic goods without complying with applicable customs and tax requirements,” KRA said in a statement.
The seized items comprise 358 laptops of various models, nine iPads and 162 assorted electronic accessories, including 150 Bluetooth devices, six laptop chargers and six laptop batteries.
“The seized goods are suspected to have been smuggled into the country without the payment of the requisite taxes and duties,” KRA said, adding that verification was ongoing to determine the applicable customs and tax obligations.
The authority said further investigations would establish the source of the goods, the circumstances under which they entered the country and whether any individuals or businesses were connected to the suspected offences.
“Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigations and in accordance with the law,” KRA said.
KRA said the seizure is part of wider efforts to disrupt illicit trade, protect government revenue and enforce compliance among businesses operating in the country.
The authority said it was increasingly concerned about the use of residential premises as warehouses for commercial goods, particularly by individuals operating small retail outlets in Nairobi’s city centre.
“Intelligence gathered indicates that some individuals operating small retail outlets within Nairobi’s city centre may be using residential apartments as warehouses to store goods suspected to have been smuggled into the country,” KRA said.
According to the authority, the practice undermines revenue collection and creates an uneven business environment for legitimate traders who meet their tax and customs obligations.
KRA said it would continue using intelligence-led enforcement approaches to identify and disrupt networks involved in the concealment, movement and sale of goods suspected to have entered the country outside established customs processes.
It encouraged traders and members of the public to report suspected cases of smuggling, tax evasion and other forms of illicit trade through its reporting channels, including the iWhistle platform.
The authority said its enforcement work was also intended to support legitimate trade while taking action against activities that undermine Kenya’s revenue system and legitimate commerce.
