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State to auction billionaire Kariuki’s containers of expensive whisky

Monday, August 19th, 2019 00:00 |
Humphrey Kariuki. Photo/FILE

Noel Wandera

The government is planning to auction six containers belonging to billionaire Humphrey Kariuki, who is embroiled in a Sh41 billion tax evasion case.

The containers, held at the Inland Container Depot, contain pricey whiskys, wines and other alcoholic beverages imported by the billionaire’s two companies, Wines of the World (Wow) Beverages and Africa Spirits.

In a gazette notice dated August 16, Rosemary Mureithi, Chief Manager Customs and Border Control Department said Kariuki’s cargo includes two 40-foot containers of William Lawson’s Finest Blended Whisky; one 40-foot container of assorted whiskys; two 20-foot container of Fine Wine Tilia Malbec all belonging to WoW; and a 20-foot container of non-refillable plastic closure Gold Blue Spirit imported by Africa Spirits

“Notice is given that unless the under-mentioned goods are entered and removed from the Customs Warehouse within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, they will be sold by public auction on 17th September, 2019,” said Mureithi. 

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered the arrest of the tycoon — who is at large — for being in possession of unaccustomed goods, counterfeit excise stamps, tax evasion and fraud, all amounting to more than Sh41 billion.

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