Lusaka Businessman Arrested for Money Laundering
By Staff Reporter
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested and jointly charged two businessmen for money laundering activities involving a US$ 17 million contract, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
In a statement DEC public relations officer Theresa Katongo said Chipayeni Chilulwe, 43, a businessman of House No. A517 Meanwood Chamba Valley has been arrested and jointly charged with Sydney Simoba Phiri, 45, a businessman of House No. 261M Ibex Hill for obtaining goods by false pretences, attempting to obtain goods by false pretences, personation, forgery, uttering of false documents and money laundering, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
“Particulars of the offences are that the duo, on dates unknown but between 1st November, 2017 and 2nd March, 2018 jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown did personate public officers from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Works and Supply respectively by purporting to be in charge of awarding of contracts for the construction of low cost housing units under the Ministry of Defence when in fact not. The duo further solicited a total of US$59,330 and K99, 000 from a Chinese national, the proprietor of a construction company as part of the US$ 300,000 security guarantee for a contract involving US$ 17 million. It is further alleged that the duo solicited for US$75,000 which was transferred into a bank account at a local bank,” said Katongo.
Meanwhile, Katongo said the Commission in Lusaka has arrested a housewife for money laundering activities contrary to the laws of Zambia.
“Bertha Moyo, 43, a housewife of House No. 385 Matero North in Lusaka has been arrested for forgery and uttering of false documents, theft, attempted theft and money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia,” she said
“Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown but between 1st November, 2017 and 2nd February, 2018 jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown with intent to defraud and using details of a forged National Registration Card, the suspect did open a bank account in the names of Serah Khonje and deposited four of the ten cheques she stole from a named company and made a withdrawal of K75, 000.00. The suspect further laundered the said money by engaging in business transactions and acquired personal benefit,” said Katongo
She said all suspects will appear in court soon.
