DEC PANICS HOLDS IMPROMPTU PRESS BRIEFING TO EXPLAIN THE ‘MISSING PLANE’ INVOLVED IN GOLD SCANDAL AT KKIA
DEC PANICS HOLDS IMPROMPTU PRESS BRIEFING TO EXPLAIN THE ‘MISSING PLANE’ INVOLVED IN GOLD SCANDAL AT KKIA
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), wishes to announce the release of the Bombardier Global Express aircraft, BD-T7-700-1A10 (T-WSS), implicated in the Gold Scandal of the previous year. This action follows meticulous legal processes, as prescribed by the courts of law.
Where property has been seized you may wish to note that the Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission has the power to release the property where investigations reveal that the property is not subject to forfeiture, this is in accordance with Section 18 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act 44 of 2010.
The Matter involving the aircraft was taken to court according to the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act 19 of 2010. According to this, there is a provision for third parties to apply to the court for release of any seized property upon satisfying the court that they are innocent and had nothing to do with whatever offense that led to the seizure.
In this particular case, the owners of the aircraft made presentations in court, and following these presentations, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) and the other parties entered into an agreement which resulted in the court signing a consent judgment.
It should therefore be clear that the release of the aircraft was premised on the court order which necessitated the commission to comply.
Meanwhile, DEC has seized and forfeited over K800 Million deemed to be proceeds of crime from various cases that have been concluded by the courts of law and the money has since been deposited in the government-controlled accounts.
The Drug Enforcement Commission emphasizes the importance of public vigilance and urges citizens to stay informed regarding these matters. Furthermore, individuals disseminating misinformation are advised to desist from doing so, allowing law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to facilitate the resolution of the matter.
Issued by:
Nason Banda
Director General
Drug Enforcement Commission