Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives raided a site off Kangundo Road on Thursday, May 9, 2024, and seized thousands of litres of siphoned fuel. 

This comes at a time when security agencies have stepped up the fight against siphoning and the illicit trade in siphoned fuel heightens to curb the sale and distribution of adulterated fuel.

A trailer, two fuel tankers, generators fitted with hosepipes, funnels, 20l jerrycans and several tanks containing unestablished amounts of siphoned fuel were confiscated during the crackdown by the Operations Support Unit.

Detectives raided the compound acting on a tip-off by a concerned member of the public on a notable spillage and the impunity with which the illegal business operated just next to a supermarket and an open-air market along KCC Road.

The well-organized criminal syndicate evaded arrest. Police believe the suspects may have been tipped off by informants.

After preliminary investigations, detectives believe that the business operators are linked to the April 12, 2024 raid conducted behind Shell petrol station off Lunga Road in Nairobi where 41 suspects were rounded up and charged, but the five tankers found at the site later released through a court order.

"The DCI thanks members of the public who continue to volunteer actionable information on this illegal business, as they contribute pragmatically to the prevention of loss of lives through unfortunate cases of infernos such as the dreadful February 2 Embakasi gas explosion.

"Further, the DCI invites all stakeholders including licensed distributors and government agencies to multi-agency undertakings to pool forces that will break the organized criminal rings," the DCI said in a statement.