Zimbabwe-Based Chinese Duo Arrested in Zambia with US$2.3 Million Gold Hidden in Car Doors

Zimbabwe-Based Chinese Duo Arrested in Zambia with US$2.3 Million Gold Hidden in Car Doors

In a surprising turn of events, two Chinese nationals living in Harare were caught by Zambian authorities in Lusaka with 29.9 kilograms of gold and $200,000 in cash hidden inside their vehicle’s door panels. The seized gold is estimated to be worth US$2.3 million.

The vehicle, which had Zimbabwean license plates, was registered to Chinese national Zhao Changson. The plates suggest the gold may have been smuggled out of Zimbabwe.

Zambia’s Inspector-General of Police, Graphel Musamba, shared in a statement on Friday that the arrests were made after police received a tip-off on August 12, 2024. The tip-off was about a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with Zimbabwean plates that was suspected of transporting precious stones.

“Acting swiftly on this information, the police impounded the vehicle, which was driven by Zhao Changson, aged 58, accompanied by Zhao Yanjing, aged 46, both Chinese nationals,” Musamba said.

When questioned during an interrogation, the two denied any knowledge of the gold and cash found in the vehicle.

“The search led to the discovery of 29.9 kilograms of gold and US$200,000 in cash, concealed within the door panels of the vehicle. The suspects, when interviewed, denied any knowledge of the recovered items,” he added.

In their defence, Yanjing, the female passenger, claimed she had purchased the vehicle less than two weeks ago and was unaware of the hidden gold and cash.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects, who reside in Harare, Zimbabwe, are involved in selling fencing wire. They claimed their trip to Zambia was to visit a friend, whose name they refused to disclose.

The gold and cash have been secured as evidence while investigations continue.

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