Inter-agency team formed to probe Thai ivory seizure
What you need to know:
- “Mr Ondiek would activate an informal police communication channel through Interpol to assist them collect material that may help them in the scrutiny while we wait for local police findings.
An inter-agency team has been formed to investigate whether part of the ivory seized in Thailand a few days ago was evidence stolen from Kenyan courts and reshipped to Bangkok.
Coast regional police boss Robert Kitur said the investigations would involve the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Customs Services Department and the Police among other government agencies.
Director of the Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has written to the Coast criminal investigations boss Henry Ondiek instructing him to start investigations.
He is expected to file bi-weekly reports to DPP’s office in Mombasa.
“Mr Ondiek would activate an informal police communication channel through Interpol to assist them collect material that may help them in the scrutiny while we wait for local police findings.
“This would enable the Mr Tobiko to make a formal request for mutual legal aid assistance from Thailand authorities,” Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Alexander Muteti said.
UNRAVEL MYSTERY
Speaking to the Nation by phone, Mr Muteti said his office welcomes information that may help in unravelling the mystery behind the “exhibit”.
Mr Kitur said perhaps the ivory did not come from Kenya.
During a press conference at the Regional Police Office, Mr Kitur said exhibits are usually kept in safe custody.
The police boss said items that consitute evidence can be kept by either the police or the Kenya Wildlife Service.
