Zambia as a nation is shocked by the recent revelation made by Financial Intelligence Centre. The agency made a public announcement recently, in which they accused top lawyers, legal counsellors and ministers of Zambian government of illegal money laundering. As per the reports released, these high-profile individuals holding critical government and private positions have been involved in illegal cash transactions worth more than USD 1.5 billion. At the same time, the FIC is contemplating that the amount is just a surface scratch and the actual amount might be many times more.
Top lawyers from Zambia such as Sakwiba Sikota and Masozi M Banda have been caught in this money laundering act. Sakwiba Sikota is the owner of Central Chambers and is also known for his long-term legal relationship with the Ventriglias family as their lawyer. Sikota has helped the Ventriglias in getting over various law and order issues, even if most of his methods are unethical and sometimes even illegal. One of the most famous cases related to the Ventriglias is of Portland Cement Zambia, whose real owner is Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted businessman and philanthropist.
While the involvement of lawyers and contractors was surprising, the most shocking part was the involvement of top ministers from Zambian government. It was also found that these ministers had several accounts with numerous commercial banks wherein cash deposit were made. Majority of these deposits were unethical in the form of kick backs and bribes from contractors as well as profits from supply of substandard products. For instance, Mines Minister Yaluma received cash deposits from the Dana Services, a vehicle dealership firm which has been accused of supplying sub-standard land cruisers from Toyota which were unsuitable across the Zambian climate as well as broke down very soon. FIC also found accounts from China wherein these individuals were making several cash deposits.
Further investigation is going on and the FIC is expected to share full reports soon. It is hoped that the government will take strict action this time, as the evidences against these corrupt politicians and lawyers are significant.