The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has impounded 68 containers that had been sneaked out of the Port of Mombasa.
Confirming the Sunday incident, KRA customs and border control Commissioner Julius Musyoki, said they are still conducting investigations, where they expect to carry out more raids on different fright stations.
"This is a multi-agency raid involving several officers. We are still tracing other containers but a full report will be issued on Monday,” said Musyoki.
On his part, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) general manager for operations Sudi Amani, confirmed that a section of rogue officials at the Mombasa Port were using the passwords of retired and sacked officials to clear cargo without official authorisation.
He, however, said they had launched a probe into the matter, adding that they were waiting for an official report from the Cyber Crimes Unit.
“The matter is being investigated by the detectives. We are aware of the syndicate but once they are done with their investigations, then the whole matter will be put in public like the recent arrests,” he said, as quoted by The Star.
This comes a few days after KRA commissioner general John Njiraini said 104 containers were illegally removed from the port between June and July, leading to a loss of Sh100 million.
Njiriani said different players in the sector including importers and their clearing agents, transport service providers, KPA and KRA staff are suspected of being involved in the illegal business.
Four customs and border control officers were suspended in May following the unprocedural removal of seven containers from the Kilindini port.