Hunt for Scottish fraudsters moves to Kenya

Kenyans have been urged to join the search for father and son Geoffrey and Gareth Johnson from Forfar who have fled to the east African country to slip back under the radar.

The pair went on the run before a £20 million mobile phone fraud trial in 2014.

Now Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), who in March this year ordered the fugitives to pay back £109 million or have 14 years added to the sentences imposed in their absence, are working with Interpol investigators on the case.

International arrest warrants were issued while the two men continued to hide out in Tanzania running a string of businesses.

According to reports, the Johnsons have now fled to neighbouring Kenya, where Geoffrey is holed up in the coastal city of Mombassa, while Gareth is in Nairobi.

Sources suggest they are waiting for things to cool down so that they can establish themselves in Kenya.

However, they have now made the news there, with locals being urged to contact the police if they see them.

Journalist Abdikarim Hussein, said: “Gareth and Geoffrey Johnson are said to be hiding in Kenya after committing crimes in Scotland.

“The father and son crime duo are said to have bought several bars and restaurants in Tanzania as they enjoyed a life of luxury and fun. Gareth and Geoffrey – after sensing arrest by the Tanzanian government – fled to Kenya.”

He added: “Kenyans have been urged to call the police if they see them.”

HMRC said it was continuing to work with domestic and international partners to confirm their whereabouts.