Two American Private Jet companies, Cullinan Private Jets Corp and Glo Jets International Limited, have been ordered to surrender Ksh706 million to the government.
This follows a ruling by the High Court that determined that the funds were proceeds of crime.
Moreover, the two airlines are linked to Kenyan businessman Philip Chrisantus Obure alias Chris Obure.
The court’s decision follows a suit filed by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Cullinan Private Jets Corp had USD 5.4 million (approximately Ksh698 million) in an account at I&M Bank. It also had an additional Ksh696,070 in another account at the same bank.
On the other hand, Glo Jets International Limited held USD 24,712 (about Ksh3.1 million) and Ksh1.1 million in two separate accounts at Ecobank Bank Limited.
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Why Govt Money is Claiming Money from the Private Jet Companies
While delivering the ruling, Justice P.J. Otieno of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division said that the companies failed to provide a legitimate explanation for the source of the funds.
Consequently, he directed that the entire amount be surrendered to the Assets Recovery Agency, which will take full ownership on behalf of the government.
The court also stated that further legal actions could be taken if necessary to recover additional illicit assets.
Additionally, authorities have indicated that the forfeited funds will be repurposed for public use as part of the government’s broader anti-corruption campaign.
The government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening financial oversight and ensuring that proceeds of crime do not infiltrate the country’s economic systems.
Businessman Kepha Odiero Loses Ksh48M and High-End Cars
On the other hand, the High Court has ordered the forfeiture of Ksh48 million and two luxury vehicles belonging to businessman Anthony Kepha Odiero.
According to the court, the assets were proceeds of crime.
In a verdict delivered by Justice P.J. Otieno on December 9, 2024, the court declared that the funds held in Odiero’s National Bank of Kenya account, as well as his Range Rover (KDE 369G) and Mercedes-Benz E250 (KCN 880Q), must be surrendered to the government.
The ruling follows a suit filed by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), which argued that the businessman could not explain the source of his wealth.
Consequently, the high court has in a gazette notice dated March 14, directed the Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to transfer the ownership of the vehicles to the government.
“The ruling is part of an ongoing crackdown on unexplained wealth, with ARA and law enforcement agencies intensifying efforts to seize assets linked to corruption and money laundering,” read the notice in part.
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Businessman Odiero Loses Ksh48M
Further, the court found that the funds held in Odiero’s National Bank of Kenya account, amounting to USD 368,185.77 (approximately Ksh48 million), were linked to illegal activities.
The government, through ARA, had petitioned the court to seize the businessman’s assets, arguing that Odiero failed to provide a legitimate source for the funds in his account.
ARA also claimed that the financial transactions linked to the businessman pointed to money laundering.
In his ruling, Justice Otieno declared that the funds and vehicles should be handed over to the government.
Also, the court directed the National Bank to transfer the forfeited money to an account held at Kenya Commercial Bank in the name of the Assets Recovery Agency.
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