Former Governor’s Range Rover Import Turns Costly Scam: Ksh 10M Lost
A former Kenyan governor was among the wealthy Kenyans who fell victim to a syndicate that was reportedly smuggling stolen luxury vehicles from the United Kingdom.
Investigations conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and made public on June 11 indicated that the syndicate had discovered a new route to smuggle uninspected vehicles from European countries into Kenya.
KEBS noted that many of the vehicles were involved in criminal activity in their country of origin, while others had fake engine details.
The governor who shall remain nameless purchased a Range Rover Vogue from Dubai for Ksh9.9 million. The automobile was subsequently stolen in the United Kingdom and smuggled into the country via Dubai.
The former county administrator reportedly made payments on April 3, 2023, and the vehicle arrived in Dubai in May with a certificate of entry into the country through the port of Mombasa.
However, the vehicle was apprehended at the Mombasa port after authorities learned it had been stolen in London.
In addition, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service in the United Kingdom released a report indicating that the vehicle’s owner continued to pay taxes to the British government.
“The VIN displayed on this vehicle is for a 2020 model; however, you own a 2019 model.”
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“The identity labels are counterfeit, but the engine number is authentic.” The vehicle was reported stolen in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2022, according to the report.
In a letter dated June 11, KEBS instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the syndicate, stating that such cases were increasing at an alarming rate, endangering the safety of unwitting Kenyan buyers.
The Bureau of Standards reported that both the Kenyan police and Interpol were investigating the former governor’s vehicle.
Simultaneously, the British government asked Kenyan authorities to return the vehicle to its country of origin.
The case was one of many. Including a Lexus that was reported to have been stolen in England and shipped from the United Kingdom to Kenya.
In addition, the authorities seized a Range Rover Sport with identical chassis numbers to other vehicles in the United Kingdom.
Authorities at the port of Mombasa stated that they were implementing measures. Such as tightening inspection procedures, to combat the growing trend.
Former Governor’s Range Rover Import Turns Costly Scam: Ksh 10M Lost
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