Anti-counterfeit agency director arrested for aiding sale of fake goods
The investigation, which spanned the financial years 2019/2020 to 2024/2025, revealed that Adera allegedly received bribes and kickbacks from traders dealing in counterfeit goods.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested the Director of Legal Services and Corporate Secretary of the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Johnson Adera, over allegations of a Sh40.3 million bribery scheme linked to counterfeit goods.
In a statement on Sunday, EACC revealed that its ongoing crackdown on bribery and extortion by public officials had uncovered significant corruption within the ACA.
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The investigation, which spanned the financial years 2019/2020 to 2024/2025, revealed that Adera allegedly received bribes and kickbacks from traders dealing in counterfeit goods.
The payments were reportedly made to secure immunity for the traders, allowing them to continue selling illicit products unchecked, thereby endangering public health and safety.
The commission disclosed that Adera allegedly collected the bribes both directly and through proxies, including family members.
“The ACA Director, who is among several officials under investigation for the bribery scheme facilitating the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, received the bribes and kickbacks directly and through family members and proxies. Some of the funds were channelled to pay school fees for his children and cover utility bills,” the Commission said.
Following a court-sanctioned search operation at his premises, EACC arrested Adera and escorted him to the Integrity Centre for questioning.
The commission reported that the operation yielded critical evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
However, Adera was later released as investigators finalised their probe.
“The operation, which targeted the suspect’s premises pursuant to court orders, yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the finalisation of the ongoing investigation,” EACC said.
EACC emphasised the dangers posed by counterfeit goods, noting their threat to public health, the harm to legitimate businesses, and the erosion of trust in regulatory institutions.
The commission urged citizens to remain vigilant and report similar cases of corruption.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud highlighted the significance of addressing corruption during his swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court on January 13, 2025.
He pledged that the commission would prioritise action against bribery at service delivery points.
“Corruption at all levels, whether petty or grand, not only harms the public but also contributes to a culture of impunity that ultimately compromises the delivery of public services. Bribery, especially at service delivery points, poses a serious threat to ordinary citizens, and for this reason, the EACC will tackle it with the same vigour and commitment applied to grand corruption,” Abdi said.
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