Gas Tycoon Arrested in US$7.6 Million Forex Scandal
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the arrest of businessman Grant Chitate, the director of Grant Wellington Thulisa (Pvt) Ltd, over a massive foreign currency scandal involving unauthorised gas import payments worth over US$7.6 million.
Chitate and his company are accused of breaking Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange laws by making external payments without getting approval from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
Gas Tycoon Arrested in US$7.6 Million Forex Scandal
According to investigators, between January 2019 and December 2024, the company allegedly paid for 9.4 million kilograms of liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas), valued at US$7,669,864.12.
But here’s the catch: there’s no record of these transactions in the company’s Zimbabwean bank accounts. Authorities say the local account balances don’t match the value of the imports, which has raised major suspicions about where the money really came from and how it was moved.
In short, the NPA suspects this may be a case of illicit forex dealings, possibly bypassing official financial channels to make shady payments.
Arrest, Bail, and What Happens Next
Chitate was arrested on 30 July 2025. He appeared in court and was granted bail of US$1,000, but under strict conditions.
He is facing charges of violating Section 5(1) of the Exchange Control Act and Section 11(1)(a)(b) of the Exchange Control Regulations, which deal with making foreign payments without RBZ approval.
Chitate is due back in court on 2 September 2025, with investigations still ongoing.
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