DCI detectives have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal fuel trade by arresting 41 suspects allegedly involved in the illicit business. The arrests occurred at an undeveloped yard located behind a petrol station off Lunga Road in Nairobi.
The operation, aimed at combating the rising cases of fuel adulteration and siphoning, resulted in the seizure of substantial evidence. Among the items recovered were five tankers, over 17,020 litres of diesel, 6,110 litres of petrol, four generators, 30 drums, siphoning pipes, and jerrycans.
DCI Crime Scene Investigators, along with officials from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), meticulously documented the scene. The raid was conducted following intelligence gathered by the Operation Support Unit team, which was deployed to address the concerning activities in the area.
During the operation, it was discovered that two petroleum trailers were loaded with petroleum products, but their compartments lacked security seals. Additionally, three other petroleum tankers were found with suspicious amounts of petroleum products suspected to have been siphoned from the trailers.
Furthermore, documents recovered from one of the trailers indicated that the fuel originated from a petroleum company depot and was destined for its petrol station in New Gatitu, Thika.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin emphasized the agency’s commitment to cracking down on such illicit activities and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The successful operation underscores the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies in safeguarding the integrity of the fuel industry and protecting consumers from harmful practices.
