A major anti-money laundering operation in Lusaka has led to the seizure of multiple properties, vehicles and business assets linked to a suspect currently on the run.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), working together with the Department of Immigration and the National Anti Terrorism Center, says the investigation centers around a Rwandese national who allegedly entered Zambia illegally and posed as a Congolese refugee.
According to DEC, preliminary investigations suggest the suspect used false identities to register businesses, acquire properties and operate vehicles while allegedly facilitating illicit financial activities, including money laundering.
Investigators say extensive searches and verifications connected the suspect to several assets registered under fraudulent identities.
Among the seized assets are a Toyota Allion, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace. Authorities have also seized boarding houses, a farm, household goods, farm animals and a factory located in the Mungule area of Lusaka.
DEC says the asset seizures form part of a broader recovery process aimed at depriving suspects of proceeds of crime and potentially restoring fraudulently acquired property to rightful owners through legal channels.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have launched a joint manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large.
In a related development, DEC confirmed that family members linked to the suspect were deported after being found to be illegally staying in the country.
The Commission has since urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities as investigations continue.