The Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) and detectives drawn from the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit are investigating what is suspected to be a multibillion shilling money laundering syndicate involving three companies and directors from Kenya and Nigeria.
ARA froze Ksh.2.5 billion suspected to have been acquired through fraud from the U.S, UAE and several European countries.
Probes by Interpol and European authorities triggered ARA to crack the whip on the three companies, freezing some Ksh5.6 billion in their accounts at a local bank and a Nigerian-based bank by the High court in April.
The suspected directors, two Kenyans one identified as a relative of one of the female politician who is a nominated senator, and two Nigerians have been questioned by the ARA.
Sources within the probe revealed that the directors claim to be operating a money transfer business to enable Kenyans and Nigerians in the diaspora to send and receive money from their loved ones, denying claims of money laundering.
The government detectives however, believe that these kind of money is suspected to be proceeds of money laundering in multiple countries in Europe and USA.
ARA applied to block the transfer or withdrawal of the money, pending the filing of a petition to have the money forfeited to government.