Businessman in court over alleged tax fraud

A company director has appeared in court accused of falsifying invoices and misrepresenting imports, in a case that allegedly cost the state more than US$40,000 in lost revenue.

Ian Genesesi (31), director of Genesesi Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, was arraigned before the Harare Magistrates' Court on charges of contravening the Customs and Excise Act, false representation, and forgery.

Prosecutors allege that in November 2024, Genesesi imported a shipment into Zimbabwe through his company, declaring it as agricultural equipment. However, a post-clearance audit by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) reportedly revealed that the consignment actually contained clothes, artificial flowers, Tupperware, and decorative items.

The false declaration is said to have deprived ZIMRA of import duty and value-added tax amounting to US$40,955.10. During the trial, witness statements, bills of lading, commercial invoices, and other import documents are expected to be tendered as evidence.

Genesesi was granted bail and remanded to 30 September 2025 for further proceedings.