POLICE ÀRREST TWO CHINÉSE NATIONALS…. found with 29.9kg of gold and undeclared foreign currency

POLICE ÀRREST TWO CHINÉSE NATIONALS

…. found with 29.9kg of gold and undeclared foreign currency

Lusaka… Saturday August 17, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

Police have àrrested two Chínése nationals after being found with precious stones and undeclared foreign currency.

Police Spokesperson Ray Hamoonga says the two Chínése nationàls are believed to have crossed into Zambia via the Chirundu border.

Mr Hamoonga said 29.9kg of gold and US$200, 000 in cash were found hidden within the door panels of the vehicle they were using.

“On August 12,2024, two Chinese nationals, identified as Ms. Zhao Yanjing and Mr. Zhao Changson, who are believed to have crossed into Zambia from Zimbabwe via the Chirundu border, were intercepted by police on suspicion of carrying precious stones. The police, acting on reliable intelligence, initiated an investigation and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle in which the suspects were traveling,” he narrated.

“During the search, officers discovered a substantial amount of undeclared currency and concealed gold bars weighing 29.9kgs. Specifically, a sum of US$200,000 in cash and 29.9 kgs of gold were found hidden within the door panels of the vehicle.”

The Police Spokesperson further said as a result of these findings, the two suspécts have been formally charged with the five offénses.

“The offenses are as follows: 1. Fràudulently Dealing with Metals in vi0lation of Section 289 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. 2. Smuggl!ng, contrary to Sections 149, 156, and 157 of the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322. 3. Failure to Declare Currency, contrary to Section 41(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322. 4. Use of Vehicle to Carry Goods Liable for F0rfeiture, in vi0lation of Section 159 of the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322. 5. Móney Làundering, in contravention of Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010,” he stated.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals involved in illegal activities are brought to justice, regardless of nationality. The duo will appear in court soon to answer to the charges leveled against them.”

Mr Hamoonga urged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing any information that may assist in curbing crime and safeguarding the nation.

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