The government’s efforts to combat financial crime have resulted in the recovery of more than US$38 million and over £33,000 (approximately US$43,000) in stolen assets and proceeds of crime between 2020 and 2024.
In addition to cash in multiple currencies, the state has successfully forfeited various high-value assets, including over 100 vehicles, 62 houses, a lodge, 3,618 bicycles, six farms, three plots of land, and four chicken runs.
A detailed breakdown of the forfeited money includes approximately US$438.3 million (around K1 billion), £33,980.68 (about US$43,000), RMB3,875 (about US$534), and local currency amounting to K5.9 million. Other foreign currencies involved in the seizures include 600 Cambodian riel, 150 rupees, and a combined total of 110 Australian and Canadian dollars.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri has commended the work of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), for their exceptional role in recovering assets believed to be linked to criminal activity.
“These efforts mark the highest recovery in the country’s history, reflecting the commitment of our institutions to tackling financial crime,” Phiri said.
