Kenyan police arrest 10 Pakistanis over transitional crimes

MOMBASA, Kenya, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police are interrogating ten Pakistanis who were arrested on Tuesday over alleged link to transnational crimes in the coastal city of Mombasa.

Mombasa police Commander Johnstone Ipara confirmed on Wednesday that the foreigners were arrested following a tipoff from Pakistan intelligence.

Ipara said the detectives are investigating if the foreigners are engaging in money laundering and drug trafficking.

"We are still interrogating the suspects, we suspect they are illegally in Kenya and carrying out commercial activities without permits," Ipara said.

Senior police officer leading the operation said Kenya authorities raided residences of the foreigners within Kizingo area.

Mombasa County Directorate of Criminal Investigation Washington Njiru leading the investigation said they are working with several security agencies to investigate the suspects who will be arraigned in court on Wednesday. Njiru said they will seek more days to detain the suspects.

"None could give a satisfactory account of their status in Kenya," said Njiru.

Police suspects the proceeds of their business could be funding terrorism activities in Pakistan. Kenya has recently worked with different foreign agencies including United States' FBI and Britain's Scotland Yard in war against terrorism and drug trafficking. Enditem