Findings on smuggled gold sent to Interpol

Source: Daily Nation

Police have officially submitted findings on the missing Sh8 billion gold consignment to Interpol, seeking further assistance on clues linking foreign countries.

The report was given to Interpol’s bureau in Nairobi, detailing issues to be investigated by police in South Africa and Dubai, said Criminal Investigation Department director Ndegwa Muhoro.

By Monday, Interpol had not replied to Kenya’s request regarding 2.5 tonnes of gold which were allegedly smuggled from the Democratic Republic of Congo in January then went missing in Nairobi.

“We are waiting for the feedback. If need be, we can send a team there (South Africa and Dubai). It will depend on what is established from their side,” Mr Muhoro said.

He declined to divulge details of what the local detectives want to establish from the foreign countries.

The gold is said to have been destined for Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, while a South African company was supposed to facilitate the shipment.

The CID has been conducting the investigations with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), detectives from DRC and the Immigration Department. KRA senior assistant commissioner Joseph Cheptarus, who had been seconded to the investigation team, was shot dead last week.

DRC President Joseph Kabila visited Nairobi last week and gave President Kibaki a list of 15 Kenyans and Congolese who should be investigated over gold smuggling.

Six people have been interrogated and have denied involvement in the trade.

Detectives close to the investigation told the Nation that the prospects of getting the consignment were remote.

The sources who cannot be named as they are not authorised to divulge details to the media indicated that the haul may have been flown out of Kenya.