Double Blow

The multi-million dollar ransom haul seized at Mogadishu airport, Somalia, was to be used as payment to release two ships and their 56 crew members.

The $3.6 million was for “Mv Yuan Xiang” and “Mv Suez” according to Mr Andrew Mwangura.

“Information we have shows that $1.5 million was to be delivered onto the Mv Suez and the balance was to be dropped onto Mv Yuan Xiang,” he said.

Three Britons, were among a group of six foreigners also understood to include two Kenyans and an American – were allegedly caught with $3.6 million in cash at the airport in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.

Security sources told media that  they are employees of a well respected private security firm with a presence in neighbouring Kenya and Mauritius and ties to retired British military personnel.