Arrest Warrant Issued for Elgeyo Marakwet Man Over Fake Tax Stamps
Following his failure to appear in court, the court ordered the forfeiture of the suspect’s previously posted police cash bail
Seized bottles of illicit alcohol bearing counterfeit excise stamps, part of an ongoing tax fraud investigation in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The Iten Law Courts have issued an arrest warrant against a suspect accused of tax fraud involving counterfeit excise stamps on alcoholic beverages. Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Gladys Odhiambo ordered the arrest of Festus Koech Tuitoek after he failed to appear in court for plea taking on charges of possession of alcohol products bearing fake tax stamps.
Tuitoek was allegedly found in possession of 416 bottles of African Special Vodka, 348 bottles of Smart Vodka, and 116 bottles of Magic Times Gin (all 250ml), at Kapkoi Bar in Kimnai Trading Centre, Marakwet West Sub-County. The illicit goods were seized during a crackdown led by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), revealing a total tax loss of Ksh 126,158.39. This includes an excise duty deficit of Ksh 78,412.40 and VAT losses amounting to Ksh 47,745.99.
Following his failure to appear in court, the court ordered the forfeiture of the suspect’s previously posted police cash bail. The matter is set for mention on May 13, 2025, to confirm the suspect’s arrest status.
If convicted, Tuitoek could face a jail sentence not exceeding three years, a fine of up to Ksh 5 million, or both, under the Excise Duty Act 2015 as revised in the Finance Act 2023.
The Kenya Revenue Authority, in coordination with other enforcement agencies, continues to intensify its campaign against illicit trade, targeting networks engaged in ethanol smuggling and the distribution of alcohol with counterfeit tax stamps. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to curb tax evasion and enforce compliance with national tax regulations.
Taxpayers have been urged to meet their tax obligations to avoid legal penalties, including prosecution and asset forfeiture.
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