Drug Enforcement Commission Arrests Individuals Involved in Money Laundering and Fraud
LUSAKA – The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit, has made significant arrests in connection with unauthorized access to data, theft, and money laundering amounting to over K4 million.
Brian Matanda, aged 34, and Michael Mulikita, aged 31, have been jointly charged with unauthorized access to data, theft by servant, and money laundering. The charges are in violation of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act, the Penal Code, and the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act. It is alleged that between January 2021 and July 2022, Matanda, in collaboration with Mulikita and other unidentified individuals, unlawfully gained access to a mobile network operator’s mobile money application and three merchant accounts. They then proceeded to steal funds totaling K4,875,142.00, which were subsequently transferred to various mobile money accounts and withdrawn. The DEC has seized several devices used in the commission of this fraud.
In a separate incident, the DEC has arrested Tibour Mwakoi, aged 33, and Abel Nshimbami, aged 32, for obtaining money by false pretenses and money laundering. Mwakoi and Nshimbami, as directors/shareholders of Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited, allegedly obtained K4,384,678.38 through false representation that they would supply a foreign businessman with 45 kilograms of gold. However, they did not fulfill their promise. Additionally, the DEC has seized K8,142,215.04, which was purportedly meant for the supply of an additional 123 kilograms of gold by Lusaka Gold.
The DEC has also apprehended Saidi Chishimba, aged 54, for possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime and money laundering. Chishimba is accused of receiving K1,752,791.60 in his bank account, suspected to be proceeds of crime, from Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited, which he subsequently withdrew.
The arrested individuals are currently on bond and are expected to appear in court soon.
The DEC has issued a warning to the general public, urging them to be cautious of individuals offering valuable commodities at unrealistically low prices. It is advised that individuals take necessary steps to safeguard their hard-earned money by consulting relevant authorities and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
