Credit Supervisor Arrested for Fraud and Money Laundering
The Drug Enforcement Commission, operating through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit, has made significant strides in combating financial crimes with the recent arrest of Peter Muche, a 50-year-old credit supervisor.
According to a statement issued by Hussein Khan, the Drug Enforcement Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Muche has been charged with fraud and money laundering amounting to over USD 400,000.
Mr. Khan noted that the alleged fraudulent activities took place between January 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2019, during Muche’s tenure as a credit supervisor at a reputable company.
He said that the charges include making false entries in the company’s books of accounts and embezzling USD 409,565.
Additionally, Muche is accused of engaging in money laundering activities with the ill-gotten funds.
In the course of the investigation, the Commission seized valuable assets, including eight flats in Lusaka’s Lilayi area, a plot in New Kasama, and a Toyota Corolla with registration number BAD 6129.
Muche faces charges of Fraudulent False Accounting, Theft by Servant, Money Laundering, and Possession of Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime.
Despite being released on bond, Muche is expected to appear in court soon to answer these charges.
In a separate case, Mr. Khan also disclosed that the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit on the Copperbelt arrested and charged 46-year-old Zambian national Samuel Manda for fraud and money laundering linked to an alleged gold scam.
Manda, along with accomplices whose identities remain unknown, is accused of fraudulently obtaining USD 65,000 from Michael Barketey between September 1st, 2023, and October 31st, 2023.
The accused purportedly promised to supply Barketey with 20 kilograms of gold, a promise that was never fulfilled.
Furthermore, Manda and four Congolese nationals—Christian Kabwe (41), Oliver Salumu (49), Tonny Kadima (57), and Jannick Mukenge (57)—have been jointly charged with Possession of Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime.
Mr. Khan said that the arrest followed the discovery of 77 bars of suspected gold in their possession. Two motor vehicles, a Toyota Hilux (BCE 9446), and a Toyota Mark X (BCF 7213), were also seized in connection with the case.
While Manda has been released on bond, the four Congolese nationals remain in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Mr. Khan expresses deep concern over the escalating incidents of fraud in the country.
He urges the public to exercise vigilance and caution before engaging in financial transactions to safeguard their hard-earned money.
