The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), working with other government agencies, has seized counterfeit edible oil worth an estimated Ksh100 million after impounding 13 trucks in a private yard within the coastal city of Mombasa.

In a Facebook post on Monday, September 8, 2025, ACA revealed that seven people of interest were arrested during the operation, while police continue searching for the yard’s owner.

The seized consignment had been disguised in 20-litre jerrycans bearing the labels of 13 different local brands. Investigators believe the counterfeit oil was smuggled into the market for more than three months, exposing Kenyans to unsafe products.

Crucial evidence uncovered in raid

Yusuf Osman Ahmed, the ACA’s Director of Compliance, confirmed that tests were underway to establish the quality of the oil.

“Our investigation is continuing. We have quite a number of other agencies that we need to collaborate with in terms of submission of samples to ensure that the cooking oil is fit for consumption, and from the look of things, you have seen that the goods are not fit for consumption,” he said.

Investigators also broke into one of the offices at the yard, where they recovered invoices, vouchers, and registers believed to be part of the counterfeit supply chain. Authorities say the documents will help track how the products were distributed and identify traders linked to the racket.

According to officials, some of the trucks were used to decant leftover oil, allowing counterfeiters to repackage the products as legitimate brands. Investigators suspect that certain trucks belonged to businesses engaged in lawful trade but were diverted into illegal operation.

The ACA has identified three distribution channels in Mombasa connected to the syndicate. One has already been shut down, while leads are being pursued on the other two. Authorities are also targeting wholesale traders suspected of distributing the counterfeit oil across the country.

Seven people of interest remain in police custody, with interrogations ongoing. The multi-agency team is still pursuing more, including the identified owner of the yard. Officials said more arrests are likely as the net widens.

“Kenya will not tolerate counterfeit trade. We will relentlessly pursue these networks until they are dismantled,” ACA Executive Director, Robi Mbugua Njoroge, added.