NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31- One of the wanted Kenyan fugitives by the US authorities has been arrested.
The US Embassy in Nairobi said Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Monday after a tip off from the public.
During the arrest, the DCI detectives were joined by law enforcement officers from the United States.
Saleh is being held at a police station within Nairobi, detectives told Shahidi News.
The information leading to Saleh’s capture came in response to the May 26 announcement of rewards seeking information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Saleh and Abdi Hussein Ahmed.
“We welcome the news that Aziz Saleh has been captured. This would not have been possible without the public’s support. Abdi Hussein Ahmed is still out there, and I continue to appeal to the public for information leading to his arrest,” said Eric W. Kneedler, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America, Nairobi.
The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program provides rewards for wanted individuals upon their successful conviction.
The identity of the source will remain anonymous for their protection.
The informer is set to get Sh116 million as promised by the US authorities.
The second fugitive, Abdi Hussein Ahmed is still at large.
“Any information in response to the reward offer regarding Ahmed should be directed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at +1-844-FWS-TIPS (+1-844-397-8477), Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations at +254(0)80072220 or by email at FWS_TIPS@fws.gov. Identities are kept strictly confidential,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
Aziz and Ahmed are accused of being part of an international organised criminal network that trafficked wildlife and sought to traffic illicit drugs to the United States.
They are accused of conspiring to smuggle at least 190 kilograms of rhino horns and 10 tonnes of ivory.
Acting US ambassador to Kenya said the rhino horns and ivory were valued at $7 million (Sh800m).
He said the two fugitives are major violators of US narcotics and wildlife trafficking laws and are wanted for their alleged involvement in an international organized criminal network that trafficked wildlife from Africa and sought to traffic illicit drugs to the United States.
The indictment against the two further alleges a conspiracy to distribute approximately 10 kilograms of heroin.
“Eradicating drug and wildlife trafficking are priorities of the Biden Administration. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Government of Kenya to capture and arrest members of these criminal networks” said Kneedler.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
