Two businessmen are being pursued over tax evasion.[Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Two businessmen are being pursued by police for allegedly engaging in tax evasion by importing rice and Sugar from Pakistani illegally.
The two are being investigated for helping deceitful foreign businessmen taking part in various crimes in the country
Senior detectives believe Ali Abdi Mohammed and Ismail Omar are assisting 11 Pakistanis who were arrested on Tuesday in connection with terrorist activities.
The Pakistanis were arrested within Kizingo and Nyali estates after word got to the police that they were here illegally.
“The two Kenyans are working in cahoots with the foreigners to register companies, processing of work permits for the foreigners, who are engaging in unlawful business in the country,' said one of the detectives.
The lead investigator said two companies Dot.com Ali Mustaqim and air Menzies international are being investigated by the DCI officers and Kenya revenue authority.
Prior police reports indicate that the foreigners repackage the imported rice and sell on subsided prices hence affecting the local market products and the repackaging takes place at Kinjaro and new ways godown all at Shimanzi.
Dci officer said “it’s well-orchestrated cartel that involves senior officers including immigration department who facilitate their stay in the country.
"They use Mombasa as a dumping site and deny KRA millions of tax,’’ he said.
In their submission, the prosecution led by assistant DPP Yamina Jami said the police were probing if their businesses are used in the funding of terror activities in the Country or globally.
Jami said that the release of the suspects would lead to interference of the investigations.
Mombasa police commandant Johnston Ipara noted that the detectives are investigating if the foreigners are engaged 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.
The senior police officer in charge of the operation said Kenya authorities raided residences of the foreigners within Kizingo area.
"None could give a satisfactory account of their status in Kenya," said Ipara
Police suspect the business could be funding terrorist activities in Pakistan.