The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) has recovered cash, luxury cars, and prime properties worth Ksh 1.547 billion in its biggest operation since 2021. The agency’s report shows that out of this amount, Ksh 865 million was in cash and liquid assets, while real estate assets were valued at Ksh 682 million.
The crackdown targeted fraudsters and corrupt public officials who had acquired wealth through illegal means. The government seized a total of 19 cars, two lorries, a motorbike, 11 apartments, two residential flats, a commercial building, a maisonette, eight parcels of land, and bank deposits of more than Ksh 500 million.
This was part of a broad operation to recover stolen public funds and money obtained through fraudulent schemes. The agency also pursued legal action in 29 cases to recover Ksh 530 million and preserved another Ksh 527 million in assets.
These cases involved 47 vehicles, a trailer, two tractors, and five motorcycles, which were either bought with stolen funds or used in money laundering operations.
During the financial year 2023-2024, ARA collected Ksh 26.2 million in rental income from confiscated properties. Some of these properties were linked to individuals involved in high-profile corruption cases, drug trafficking, and fraudulent business dealings.
The report highlights a rise in scams targeting foreign investors, particularly cases where they were tricked into buying sand disguised as valuable minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Such schemes have become a growing concern as they contribute to illicit financial flows.Public officials have also been exposed for misusing state funds to acquire expensive properties and vehicles.
Businessman Anthony Kepha Odiero was forced to surrender over Ksh 34 million and two luxury vehicles after he failed to explain how he received large sums of money from overseas trips.
Former Elgeyo Marakwet payroll manager Livingstone Kiptoo Tanui lost 24 parcels of land, two tractors, and a vehicle after a court found that he had inflated his salary and illegally funneled county funds to his spouse.
Another case involved convicted drug trafficker Joseph Kinyanjui, who forfeited a house in Mirema and land in Ruiru after being found guilty of heroin trafficking.
Two air charter firms linked to businessman Chris Obure lost Ksh 10.9 million held in four bank accounts after the court ruled that the money was obtained through illegal means. Such cases have put Kenya under close monitoring by global anti-money laundering agencies.
Authorities are working to strengthen financial oversight to curb illicit financial activities. To improve international asset recovery, Kenya has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK, Jersey, Mozambique, and Seychelles. Discussions are ongoing with the US, Hong Kong, and neighboring countries to enhance cooperation in tracing and recovering stolen assets.
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