KRA raid Thika liquor plant, seize Sh40million alcoholic products
Detectives from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)’s Domestic Tax department have raided Thika-based Vinepack Limited and seized Sh40 million alcoholic products.
According to KRA, the products were seized as a consequence of a sting operation that its officers conducted today.
“The products were seized during a sting operation to curb illicit brew production Vinepack Company Limited is a Kenyan medium-scale alcoholic beverage company located in Thika Town, Kiambu county,” stated KRA.
Among the things confiscated are 33 ethanol drums worth Sh16 million and 100 boxes of 10 litres of vodka priced at Sh2 million.
5,000 phony stamps worth Sh10 million were retrieved in the process with KRA continuously criticising the usage of fake stamps, which results in a significant loss of revenue.
The firm produces alcoholic beverages on a medium scale and distributes them all throughout the nation.
The company was established in 2009 to produce and market high-quality alcoholic beverages that satisfy domestic tastes and preferences.
On September 1, 2022, KRA filed a lawsuit alleging Keroche Breweries of breaking the terms of the tax payment arrangements that led to the brewer’s reopening in July.
The tax collector claimed that after the Keroche brewery reopened on July 29, the brewer chose not to make the required payments to the court.
“Keroche Breweries Limited has been adamant in disregarding the court order of July 14, 2022 notwithstanding that the order was issued in the presence of the counsel of Keroche Breweries Limited, the same was not and has not been complied with to date,” read an application by KRA to the court.
Since the taxman shut down the brewer’s factory in May, Keroche and KRA have been involved in a tax standoff that has seen both parties go in and out of court.
According to KRA, the brewery violated a repayment arrangement that called for it to pay back Sh957 million in 24 months, prompting the closure of the factory.
In the past, Keroche has blamed its problems on a Sh351 million demand, but the KRA claims the brewer owes the State more than Sh22 billion in unpaid taxes.
Many Kenyans lives are at danger due to the rise of illicit alcohol, especially those who cannot afford to purchase pricey, high-quality alcoholic beverages.
