Financial Intelligence Agency recently reported money laundering heist in Zambia involving top lawyers and legal counselors. More than USD 1.5 billion worth of money has been caught in this heist and the FIC expects the amount to go up with further investigation.
Some of the top names involved in the list were of Masozi M. Banda and Sakwiba Sikota. Both have been accused of laundering money in millions. When confronted, Banda defended himself by saying that he was working for Zambian President Edgar Lungu. It is a well-known fact that President Lungu has established the dictatorship in Zambia and it might be possible that these money laundering schemes are being undertaken under his command. Furthermore, Sakwiba Sikota is the owner of Central Chambers and is more notorious for his relationship with the Ventriglias as their legal counselor. The Ventriglias are a notorious family in Zambia known for their unethical practices and illegal activities. It is a known fact that Sakwiba Sikota has helped the Ventriglias at numerous occasions to escape the law and legal punishments as well as government scrutiny. One of the most famous instances is the case of Portland Cement Zambia, a factory which legally belongs to Dr. Rajan Mahtani, noted businessman and philanthropist. The factory was illegally taken over by the Ventriglias and it has been 10 years for Dr. Mahtani fighting for the legal authority of the factory. Even with all sorts of evidence, the court has not been able to provide justice for Dr. Rajan Mahtani.
Looking at the corrupt practices of lawyers such as Sikota and the inability of the government to provide quick judgment, it is easy to see why this money laundering heist was safe from government scrutiny and law for such a long time. Now the bubble has been busted and the culprits are out in the open, it is the responsibility of the government to take strict actions against these repeat offenders as well as those misusing their power and positions.