Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)’s Anti Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Lusaka has arrested three Zambians and three Ugandan nationals for money laundering activities involving over K14.3 million.
Confirming the development to Money FM News, Commission Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo identified the 6 suspects as Patrick Kafula, aged 38, Makhosana Ndolo 44, Austin Daka, 30, Vincent Ssempijja, 29, Rashid kyangulanyi, 28, and Sylvester Apuli, 43.
Ms. Katonog said particulars of the offence are that between 1st January, 2020 and 4th July, 2020, the suspects unlawfully possessed two key USB loggers, 1 USB flash disk, and 1 laptop containing software primarily designed to overcome security measures for the protection of data found on the core banking system.
“These devices enabled the accused persons to access the core banking system of a named bank enabling them to transfer K14, 378,000.00 from eight corporate accounts of the same bank and credited 79 beneficiary accounts also held at the same bank,” Ms. Katongo stated.
Ms. Katongo added that the suspects who are pending court appearance have since been charged for unlawful possession of devices primarily designed to overcome security measures for protection of critical data, unauthorized access to data, theft and money laundering.
Meanwhile, Ms. Katongo disclosed that the Commission conducted a special operation in Sesheke, North-Western Province on the 10th of this month in which 7 people were arrested for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis weighing 1.88 tones and trafficking in 46.5 kilograms of loose cannabis contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
“The suspects have been identified as kulili Sikundu, male aged 52, Mayamba Lingela, male aged 47, Alice Masiye, female aged 57, Namakau Muyangwa, female aged 47, Mukongane Katabi, male aged 57, Complex Sitali Sitali, male aged 34, and Esther Manza Katabi, female aged 67 all of Mutanda village in North-Western Province,” she added.
She said all the 7 suspects are in Police custody and will appear in court soon.