Zimbabwe has launched a major international operation targeting sophisticated financial crime syndicates to recover US$70 million in laundered funds. A powerful coalition of the country’s top law enforcement and revenue agencies is working with confidential global partners to dismantle networks accused of massive fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage.
The operation, spearheaded by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), aims to trace and recover an estimated US$70 million in illicitly obtained funds and assets. The multi-pronged investigation targets criminals using complex methods like digital system manipulation, shell companies, and falsified customs declarations to move money across borders illegally.
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Zimbabwean Authorities Launch an Investigation To Recover US$70 Million Laundered Money
Authorities have issued a stern warning to those involved, promising that no one, even those seemingly operating remotely, will be safe from prosecution. The NPAZ emphasised the gravity of the operation and its intended outcomes.
“There is a massive fraud, racketeering, organised crime and money laundering,” stated the NPAZ. “All this sophisticated fraud has caused serious, massive prejudice to the economy of this country. We are going to have a joint effort. It must involve quick tracing and identification of all proceeds of crime. Once we locate all proceeds of crime, we must preserve those assets… We are going to preserve and ultimately confiscate them.”
The agency further warned that individuals hiding behind corporate veils would be exposed.
“Often, people use companies as a veil to mask their involvement… but at the end of the day, they are the brains and masterminds of these criminal syndicates. This is the extent to which we are going to set an example,” it said.
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International Partners Aid High-Tech Hunt
The involvement of unnamed international agencies is considered critical to the operation’s success. These foreign partners are providing expertise in forensic audits, intelligence sharing on transnational networks, and tracking hidden assets in offshore banking jurisdictions. This collaboration grants Zimbabwean authorities access to encrypted communications and global financial intelligence networks, which are essential for monitoring the complex money trails.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) confirmed the large-scale operation is underway. Zacc corporate communications manager Ms Simiso Mlevu said,
“I can confirm that a joint investigation is underway, but we cannot share any further details at this stage. The commission also collaborates with other investigating agencies to augment skills and expertise not readily available within the institution.”
The crackdown follows the recent court appearance of two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials, Shupikai Mary Nicola Marongwe and Paradzai Mutasa. They are accused of manipulating the authority’s new electronic customs system, known as the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window project, to defraud the state of over US$6.3 million. They allegedly created unauthorised admin accounts to inflate clearing agents’ prepayment balances, allowing goods to be cleared duty-free in exchange for cash kickbacks, or kutonga kwaro.
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