Court hands businessman 30-year sentence for human trafficking

A court in Shanzu on Friday sentenced a businessman to 30 years imprisonment for involvement in human trafficking and related crimes.

Asif Amirali Alibhai Jetha who holds dual citizenship was apprehended following a raid at his business premises in Mombasa in 2019 that led to the rescue of 12 women of Nepalase descent.

The businessman a Canadian national  faced three counts of trafficking in persons, promoting human trafficking and interfering with travel documents.

“The court found him guilty on all counts and handed him a 30-year jail term with sentences on other counts running concurrently,” National Police Service said on Twitter.

The court also sentenced the businessman to 20 years imprisonment for promoting human trafficking.The sentences will run concurrently.

Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo also fined the businessman fines ranging from between Sh100,000 and Sh1 million for being in possession of proceeds of crime, engaging in business without a work permit and unlawfully employing foreign nationals.

Jetha, who owns New Rangeela Bar and Restaurant, was first charged in 2019.