By Arnold Tutu
The Drug Enforcement Commission –DEC- has arrested three men in Lusaka in connection with a suspected fraud and money laundering scheme involving over one million United States dollars.
DEC Public Relations Officer ALLAN TAMBA has identified the suspects as JEFF MWAPE, 30, CHIWAYA LUMAYI, 34, and WILSON MUKUKA, 35.
Mr. TAMBA says the trio has been charged with theft, obtaining money by false pretences, and money laundering.
According to the Commission, JEFF MWAPE, who is a Director of Electus Capital Zambia Limited, is alleged to have worked with CHIWAYA LUMAYI and others to steal $1,000,000 from the company between 21st and 26th January 2026.
Mr. TAMBA says the money was meant to purchase mining equipment, including a Toyota Land Cruiser, an excavator, tipper trucks, and other machinery for a joint mining venture.
He says investigations indicate that the funds were instead diverted, and efforts were made to conceal their source.
And Mr. TAMBA says in a related matter, CHIWAYA LUMAYI and WILSON MUKUKA are accused of obtaining K900,000 and US$4,900 from a company director under the pretext of facilitating paperwork for the shipment of five kilogrammes of gold.
However, tests later revealed that the material was not gold but brass.
Mr. TAMBA has said in a statement today that the suspects also attempted to conceal the origin of the money obtained through the alleged scheme.
The DEC has since seized two motor vehicles, a Ford Ranger and a Mercedes-Benz, believed to be linked to the offences.
The three suspects have since been released on bond and are expected to appear in court soon.
Mr TAMBA has warned members of the public against engaging in fraudulent activities that may discourage investment and affect national development.
He also urged citizens to report any suspicious financial dealings to the Commission.
ZNBC
