KRA Officers Seize Sh238 Million in US Dollars from a Kenyan at JKIA

Customs officials have seized Sh238 million in foreign currency from a traveler at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The traveler, a Kenyan national, was intercepted with a parcel containing USD$2 million after arrival at the airport from Burundi’s capital Bujumbura on Thursday morning, according to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The passenger initially made a declaration of the currency indicating the origin as Banque de Credit de Bujumbura (BCB) and Brinks Global Services, Kenya as the recipient.

But after clearance by the Customs Unit at the airport, the suspect presented the same money at the Swissport Cargo shed with different export documents for shipment to Global Services, UK.

Officers established that the documents produced to support the export request were different from those produced on entry.

“After noting the inconsistencies in information provided by the passenger, KRA has invited Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) to assist in investigating the matter as a possible money-laundering attempt,” KRA Commissioner for Custom and Border Control Lilian Nyawanda said in a statement.

“KRA encourages passengers to correctly declare all cargo/items at the Ports of entry and exit as required under the provisions of the Second and Third Schedules of the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004.”