Kenyan Identity Theft Racket Traps Citizens in Millions of Shillings in Tax Debt

Identity theft is trapping Kenyans in tax debt: A new investigation by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unearthed a sophisticated scheme where criminals use stolen IDs and PINs to register shell companies, leading to innocent Kenyans facing unexpected tax liabilities. One victim, Joy Catherine Kashego, a trader in Mombasa, was shocked to discover that her identity had been used to register a company with millions of shillings in unpaid taxes. "I had no knowledge of this company's existence," she stated. The investigative team at NTV Kenya's 'Fixing the Nation' has uncovered similar cases, highlighting the urgent need for Kenyans to protect their personal information. The KRA is actively pursuing those responsible, and authorities are working to raise public awareness of this growing threat. This case underscores the importance of safeguarding personal data and the potential consequences of identity theft.