The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Johnson Adera, the Director of Legal Services and Corporate Secretary at the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA).
The director was arrested in connection with a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme tied to the sale of counterfeit goods.
Further, EACC indicated that Adera is accused of receiving a total of Ksh40,344,619 in bribes and kickbacks from traders involved in the illicit trade of counterfeit goods.
Moreover, the report revealed that the payments were made between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Adera received the funds, to allow the traders to continue operating without facing sanctions or legal consequences.
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The bribery scheme is believed to have compromised the safety and health of citizens, as counterfeit goods, substandard and harmful, flood the Kenyan market.
“Preliminary investigations have so far established that between the financial years 2019/2020 and 2024/2025, the official received a cumulative total of Ksh40,344,619 in bribes and kickbacks from traders implicated in the sale of counterfeit goods in the country.
“As an inducement to allow them to continue their businesses unchecked and without sanctions, thus jeopardizing the health and safety of citizens,” a statement from the commission read in part.
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How the Anti-Counterfeit Agency Director Received the Bribes
The EACC reported that the suspect received bribes directly and through intermediaries, including family members and proxies.
Moreover, investigators revealed that some of the funds were used for personal expenses, such as school fees for his children and utility bills.
Additionally, a search operation at Adera’s premises, conducted with a court order, revealed evidence that will aid in finalizing the investigation.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud highlighted the dangers of corruption at service delivery points, stating that it undermines public trust in regulatory bodies and jeopardizes the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“Corruption at all levels, whether petty or grand, not only harms the public but also contributes to a culture of impunity that ultimately compromises the delivery of public services.
“Bribery, especially at service delivery points, poses a serious threat to ordinary citizens, and for this reason, the EACC will tackle it with the same vigour and commitment applied to grand corruption,” said Mohamud.
Investigations are ongoing, and the EACC has reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and fostering integrity across public and private sectors.
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