Police in Mombasa in search of two suspects over illegal importation of rice

Mombasa, Kenya: Police are looking for two Kenyan businessmen wanted over claims of importing illegal rice and sugar from Pakistan through the port of Mombasa.

The two are being investigated for allegedly assisting unscrupulous foreign businessmen engaging in transitional crime in the country, police said.

Police claim that the two businessmen of Somali origin are wanted for assisting 11 Pakistanis arrested on Tuesday during a raid within Kizingo and Nyali estates, Mombasa.

The 11 suspects were arrested after an intelligence report of their unlawful presence in the country.

They were presented in court and detained for three days as investigations go on. The prosecution said Dot.com Ali Mustaqim and Air Menzies international are under probe from DCI officers and Kenya Revenue Authority.

“The two Kenyans are working in-cahoots with the foreigners to register companies and processing of working permits for the foreigners who are engaging in unlawful business in the country,” police said.

Preliminary police finding indicates that the foreigners repackage the imported rice and sell it at subsidized prices thus affecting local dealers.

Police said the repackaging is done within Shimanzi area, police claim.

The prosecution led by assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Yamina Jami, said police were probing if these businesses are used in funding of terror activities in the country or globally.

Jami said if the suspects are released, there was a possibility of them interfering with investigations.

Mombasa police commandant Johstone Ipara said the detectives are investigating if the foreigners are engaging in money laundering and drug trafficking.

"We are still interrogating the suspects, we suspect they are illegally in Kenya and carrying out commercial activities without permits," Ipara said.

He added that they are looking for other suspects who are at large to help in investigations.