AG hands over key Anglo Leasing reports to Swiss authorities

Kenya: Attorney General Githu Muigai has handed over what is believed to be crucial information to Swiss authorities as the joint probe on the multi-billion shilling Anglo Leasing scam gains momentum.

The move comes after suspects Deepak Kamani and his two brothers rushed to court seeking to stop the Kenyan Government from releasing any information requested by the Swiss Federal Attorney's office. The brothers are wanted by Switzerland over alleged money laundering.

Yesterday, Swiss Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud said the reports were important in their investigations to determine whether there was any illegal flow of money that would lead to prosecutions.

Swiss authorities are expected to probe some firms in Switzerland suspected of being involved in the Anglo Leasing scandal and were holding assets and money acquired illegally.

"The Kenyan Government has given a swift and thorough response to our request. Such response is important in promoting international relations and ensuring a smooth flow of activities. Exchanging evidence between two countries will enable the Anglo Leasing issue receive efficient information for justice to be procured," said Pitteloud.

The AG had received the official Swiss request for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters through a letter dated June 3, where the Kamani brothers - Chamanlal and Rashmi - have been named as accused persons on allegations of money laundering.

The Kenya anti-graft agency had in May 2007 written to Swiss authorities requesting assistance in investigations into "a case of serious or complex fraud which there are reasonable grounds to believe have been committed in Kenya with some acts in the UK, Switzerland and other countries".

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Vice-Chairperson Ms Anne Keino asserted the commission had availed every report asked for by Switzerland.

EACC Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo said investigations into the matter were at the tail end and conclusions will soon be revealed.

Kenya and Switzerland had launched joint probes into Anglo Leasing, seven years after the former first sought mutual assistance from Geneva to bust the scandal's architects.

The recent Sh1.4 billion Anglo Leasing payments made by the Government sparked controversy, with Opposition leader Raila Odinga claiming the money should not have been paid.