KRA seals Africa Spirit factory in Thika

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) staff sort out reels of counterfeit stamps intercepted at Africa Spirits Limited factory in Thika.

A team of investigators from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations into activities of Africa Spirit Limited based in Thika.

The investigations were launched after large consignments of counterfeit excise stamps and suspected illicit ethanol were found within the factory premises on Friday.

During the operations that commenced on the night of 31st January 2019, an estimated 21 million counterfeit excise stamps and 312,000 litres of illicit products valued at Sh1.2 billion in estimated tax were seized.

Arrangements are in progress to seal the premises to enable in depth investigations into the racket.

Africa Spirits is a licensed manufacturer of portable spirits including Glen Rock, Legend Black, Blue Moon, Legend Brandy, Gypsy King and Furaha.

A Production Manager at the factory was arraigned in court and detained for seven days to facilitate further investigation. The Directors of the Company and other senior management are being sought.