The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has hinted at the devious methods that graft suspects have devised to avoid being investigated.
Pascal Mweu, the EACC's Director of Investigations, reports that they have identified new patterns that criminals exploit to undermine the commission's ability to carry out its mandate.
According to Mweu, there has been a rise in cash withdrawals by suspected individuals, which has hidden the use of money trails.
On Thursday, he continued by saying that suspects are using law firms as conduits for corruption during a workshop with journalists covering crime and governance.
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He clarified that the individuals who are being targeted send money to a legal firm to obtain legal privileges and to reduce regulatory oversights.
Additionally, it has been discovered that suspects participate in budgeted corruption, in which contractors collude with suppliers and purchasing organizations to obtain funds from the Treasury.
Another trend is "forum shopping," in which suspects select the court and location of their trial.
"If they find Nairobi is not favourable, they go to a remote area. There is an incident where criminals triggered an investigation, picked an agency to do it to avoid EACC investigating them," said Mweu.
Additionally, it is discovered that suspects are hiding beneficial ownership. Mweu claims that some businesses use shadowy businesses, agencies, and proxies.
"Layering by establishing several companies whose owners are in Dubai and the Virgin Islands and other companies."
