Ugandan Police have extended their investigations into three foreign nationals including two Japanese citizens over suspected money laundering activities and residency irregularities linked to operations in Kenya and possibly Uganda.
The inquiry follows the arrest of three Zimbabwean nationals in Nairobi: Stanley Makombe and his sons, Trevor Tadiwanaishe and Trevor Tanaka. The trio was apprehended during a joint operation by Kenyan immigration authorities for working without valid permits at World Navi Motors, located along Ngong Road.
While the arrests were conducted by Kenyan officials, Ugandan investigators are now pursuing leads suggesting the group may have connections to similar activities inside Uganda.
“This matter is no longer only about immigration,” a Ugandan police source noted. “We are examining whether funds from these operations may have moved through Uganda, which brings up serious financial crime concerns.”
Authorities are also searching for two Japanese nationals Yusuke Tamano and Yoshifumi Sawada who have reportedly gone into hiding. Both are believed to be connected to the same network and possibly involved in managing or facilitating financial flows between Kenya and Uganda.
The operation is part of a broader regional effort to identify and remove individuals working illegally or suspected of engaging in economic crimes under the guise of legitimate business.
The three Zimbabweans remain in custody at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi while deportation procedures are underway.
Ugandan authorities say cooperation with Kenya is ongoing as they continue to build a case around the cross-border elements of the suspected financial crimes.
