• The two fraudulently gained access to a known mobile network operator’s mobile money application and three merchant accounts.
• They stole funds amounting to K4, 875,142.
• The funds were transferred to various mobile money accounts and later withdrawn.

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested and jointly charged a Revenue Assurance Officer and a Software Developer for Theft by Servant and Money Laundering involving over K4 million.
Commission Public Relations Officer Hussein Khan identified the suspects as Brian Matanda, 34 and Michael Mulikita 31, who he said have also been jointly charged for Unauthorized Access to Data contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Mr. Khan explained that on dates unknown but between 1st January 2021 and 7th July 2022, the two suspects, jointly and whilst acting together, and other unknown people, fraudulently gained access to a known mobile network operator’s mobile money application and three merchant accounts and stole funds amounting to K4, 875,142.

“Drug Enforcement Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has arrested and jointly charged a Revenue Assurance Officer and a Software Developer for Unauthorized Access to Data, Theft by Servant and Money Laundering involving over K4 million.”
“The Commission has jointly charged Brian Matanda aged 34 and Michael Mulikita aged 31 for Unauthorized Access to Data contrary to section 49 of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act No. 2 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, Theft by Servant contrary to section 278 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Money Laundering contrary to section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 as amended by Act No. 44 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia,” Mr. Khan explained.
He said the funds were transferred to various mobile money accounts and later withdrawn, adding that the Commission has since seized various devices used in this fraud.

Mr. Khan revealed that the Commission has also arrested and jointly charged two people identified as Tibour Mwakoi 33, and Abel Nshimbami 32, for Obtaining Money by False Pretences, amounting to over K4 million.
“Particulars of the offence are that Tibour Mwakoi and Abel Nshimbami as directors/shareholders in Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st July 2021 and 30th November 2022 obtained money amounting to K4, 384, 678.38 through the company account by purporting that they would supply a foreign businessman with 45 kilogrammes of gold when in fact not.”
“In addition, the Commission has seized K8, 142, 215.04 purported to be for the supply of a further 123 kilogrammes of gold by Lusaka Gold,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Commission has arrested 54 year old Saidi Chishimba for Possession of Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
“Particulars of the matter are that on dates unknown but between 1st October and 30th November 2022 Saidi Chishimba received K1, 752, 791.60 suspected of being proceeds of crime in his bank account from Lusaka Gold and Platinum Refinery Limited which he later withdrew. The suspects are currently on bond and will appear in court soon.”
Mr. Khan warned members of the public not to fall prey to con men who promise to supply valuable commodities at giveaway prices.
“The public is hereby advised to take necessary steps to safeguard their hard earned money by consulting relevant authorities and report any suspicions bordering on criminal activity to law enforcement agencies,” he stated.