ACA Calls for Thorough Investigation and Government Action into ‘Gold-Not Gold’ Case
In a resounding call to action, the Alliance for Community Action (ACA) has underscored the urgency of addressing the unfolding ‘Gold-Not Gold’ case that has taken hold of the nation. As this complex situation continues to develop, the imperative of maintaining public transparency and keeping citizens informed on the progress of ongoing investigations cannot be overstated.
The ACA has fervently urged for a meticulous investigation coupled with unwavering transparency from the relevant authorities, with particular emphasis on bodies such as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and civil aviation authorities. This incident, the ACA emphasizes, cannot be treated as an isolated event; rather, it points to a larger, more intricate web of implications that must be tackled collectively.
Beneath the surface of the public inquiries lies a more profound investigation into the motivations that propelled this illicit act into motion. The pressing need to unravel the underlying intricacies and reasons behind the orchestration of this transaction cannot be ignored.
While swift action is of the essence, the ACA underscores the equal importance of the Zambian government adopting a comprehensive approach. It is not only the incident itself that demands attention, but the organization calls upon the authorities to delve into the backgrounds of the detained individuals and any potential associates who frequently traverse the nation’s borders. Such comprehensive scrutiny is essential for uncovering motivations, tracing potential patterns, and gaining a deeper understanding of the core issues at hand.
The stability and security of the nation hang in the balance, warranting a response that mirrors the gravity of the situation. With a specific focus on the Drug Enforcement Commission, the ACA stresses the necessity for an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Central to this endeavor is the requirement for transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process. While the ACA acknowledges the sensitivity of ongoing investigations, it calls on the Drug Enforcement Commission to share sufficient information with the public, thereby avoiding unnecessary speculation and baseless claims.
The ACA’s concerns extend further to the potential links between the incident and Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) and Terrorism Financing. Drawing attention to the 2022 FIC Trade-Based Money Laundering Report, the organization highlights the alarming realities within Zambia’s trade landscape. The report has unveiled practices such as export under-reporting and import over-reporting, which obstruct vital resource mobilization efforts for developing countries.
The ACA underscores a case outlined in the report, wherein a company within the extractive sector manipulated trade transactions with an offshore entity. This maneuvering resulted in not only tax evasion but also substantial losses for the national economy. The involvement of international banks and audit firms underscores the pressing need to address systemic vulnerabilities.
As an emerging trend of criminals circumventing formal channels by transporting cash and high-value items through unconventional means becomes apparent, the ACA asserts the urgency of robust countermeasures against such threats.
In a resolute conclusion, the ACA calls on the Zambian government to rise to the occasion. The ‘Gold-Not Gold’ scam has illuminated the imperative to combat trade-based money laundering and its associated risks. The nation’s commitment to safeguarding its future mandates a comprehensive, strategic, and unwavering response that addresses the multifaceted challenges at hand.
