News / Local
Chinese woman up for US$160,000 fraud in Zimbabwe
29 Dec 2024 at 08:46hrs | Views
A 68-year-old Chinese woman, Li Quiyi, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a fellow national of US$160 000 in a fake lithium export licensing deal. Li reportedly used the influence of high-profile connections, including the First Family, to convince her victim that she could facilitate the acquisition of a legitimate lithium exporting permit.
Li appeared before Harare Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi on charges of fraud, and was remanded in custody to December 30, 2024. The complainant in the case is Icybay (Private) Limited, represented by Hu Pengfei, who has alleged that Li tricked him into paying a substantial sum for the fake permit.
According to state prosecutor Lovet Muringwa, the scheme began in August 2023 when Qian Han, a manager at Icybay, posted a message on WeChat seeking a partner to assist the company in obtaining a lithium export license. Li reportedly responded to the message, claiming to have close connections with the First Family and the ability to process the permit through her company, Li Jia Investments, at a cost of US$160 000.
On September 21, 2023, the complainant paid US$80 000 as an advance to Li's accomplice, identified as Zhang Xianghong, who remains at large. The remaining US$80 000 was paid in October 2023, after which Li purportedly sent the export license to the complainant's representative through WeChat.
However, when the complainant attempted to export lithium using the license in October 2024, he was informed by the Customs and Excise Department that the document was a forgery. This revelation prompted Icybay to file a police report, leading to Li's arrest.
The case has raised concerns over the rise of fraudulent activities linked to the booming lithium industry in Zimbabwe, as foreign companies and individuals seek permits to exploit the country's rich mineral resources. Authorities have vowed to investigate further and ensure those involved in such schemes are brought to justice.
Li appeared before Harare Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi on charges of fraud, and was remanded in custody to December 30, 2024. The complainant in the case is Icybay (Private) Limited, represented by Hu Pengfei, who has alleged that Li tricked him into paying a substantial sum for the fake permit.
According to state prosecutor Lovet Muringwa, the scheme began in August 2023 when Qian Han, a manager at Icybay, posted a message on WeChat seeking a partner to assist the company in obtaining a lithium export license. Li reportedly responded to the message, claiming to have close connections with the First Family and the ability to process the permit through her company, Li Jia Investments, at a cost of US$160 000.
On September 21, 2023, the complainant paid US$80 000 as an advance to Li's accomplice, identified as Zhang Xianghong, who remains at large. The remaining US$80 000 was paid in October 2023, after which Li purportedly sent the export license to the complainant's representative through WeChat.
However, when the complainant attempted to export lithium using the license in October 2024, he was informed by the Customs and Excise Department that the document was a forgery. This revelation prompted Icybay to file a police report, leading to Li's arrest.
The case has raised concerns over the rise of fraudulent activities linked to the booming lithium industry in Zimbabwe, as foreign companies and individuals seek permits to exploit the country's rich mineral resources. Authorities have vowed to investigate further and ensure those involved in such schemes are brought to justice.
Source - newsday
