Businessman Arrested at Harare Airport Attempting to Smuggle US$80 000

Harare Businessman Arrested at RGM International Airport Attempting to Smuggle US$80 000

An attempt to take US$80 000 in cash out of Zimbabwe ended in arrest for a Harare businessman who was stopped just moments before boarding a flight at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Victor Magigwana (32) is now facing charges of unlawfully exporting foreign currency after authorities discovered the full amount in his possession without the required clearance.

Also Read: Chinese Businesswoman Arrested in Harare After Illegally Transferring US$880K to China without RBZ Approval

Intelligence Leads to Sting Operation

According to The Herald, the court heard that detectives from the CID Commercial Crime Division acted on a tip-off received on March 14, 2026, warning that the suspect planned to smuggle a significant amount of cash out of the country.

In response, security teams were alerted and quietly monitored Magigwana’s movements from the time he entered the airport until he approached the boarding gate.

Also Read: Smuggled Goods Will Be Permanently Seized With ‘No Option To Pay Duty’ – Zimbabwe Introduces Automatic Forfeiture

Cash Discovered Before Boarding

As he prepared to board a Tanzania-bound flight, security officers intercepted him and carried out a search, leading to the discovery of US$80 000 stashed in his handbag.

Investigations revealed that he had not obtained authorisation from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to externalise the funds.

Majority of Funds Seized

Following the arrest, officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority confiscated US$78 000, issuing a seizure notice in line with exchange control regulations.

Magigwana was allowed to retain US$2 000, the maximum permitted for travellers without prior approval.

Court Appearance and Bail

Magigwana appeared before Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa, where he was granted bail set at US$300. The case is expected to continue as authorities pursue further investigations.


Flipcash is Your Trusted PayPal & Crypto Exchange Partner in Zimbabwe — WhatsApp +263 77 163 9263

The post Businessman Arrested at Harare Airport Attempting to Smuggle US$80 000 appeared first on iHarare News.