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Sunday, February 9, 2025
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Japanese Businessman Testifies Against Former MP Kelvin Sampa in Counterfeit Money Case

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A Japanese businessman, Kunihiro Fukushima, testified before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, accusing former Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa of giving him counterfeit money after failing to deliver gold.

Sampa, 52, a businessman from Lusaka’s Meanwood area, appeared before Magistrate Irene Wishimanga on charges of theft by agent involving $150,000, illegal possession of forged banknotes, and possession of implements for forgery. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The alleged offenses occurred between July and October 2024.

Fukushima, based in Tanzania and who has known Sampa for over 13 years, narrated that their initial interaction involved arranging donations of medical equipment for Zambia.

However, their relationship shifted when Sampa proposed a gold transaction, knowing Fukushima was involved in gold trading.

Fukushima stated that he and a colleague, Sakamoto, gave Sampa $150,000 in cash as an advance for a gold consignment. The transaction took place at a hotel in Lusaka without any documentation, based purely on trust.

Sampa allegedly delayed delivering the gold and later claimed that additional funds were required to complete the purchase.

After repeated follow-ups, Fukushima and Sakamoto demanded that Sampa either deliver the gold or refund the money.

However, the transaction was not finalized, and Sampa handed them a safe containing what he claimed was their money. Fukushima testified that when the safe was eventually opened and the money was handed over, it contained counterfeit banknotes.

During cross-examination, Fukushima admitted to entering Zambia with undeclared funds exceeding $5,000, a violation of Zambian law.

He also acknowledged that the transaction lacked documentation and that Sampa had suggested reporting the counterfeit money to the police.

Fukushima and Sakamoto were detained alongside Sampa but were later released. The prosecution granted Fukushima immunity, allowing him to testify in the case.

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