Zimbabwe launches crackdown on illicit financial flows

A major multi-agency operation targeting illicit financial flows, tax evasion and entrenched corruption is underway across Zimbabwe's borders as authorities intensify efforts to recover an estimated US$70 million in misappropriated funds.

The operation, spearheaded by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and supported by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), has also drawn in selected international law enforcement and financial crime agencies. These partners, whose identities remain confidential for operational reasons, are assisting with forensic audits, cross-border asset tracking and intelligence-sharing to dismantle transnational crime syndicates.

The investigations come on the back of high-profile cases, including the arrest of ZIMRA officials Shupikai Mary Nicola Marongwe (52) and Paradzai Mutasa (35), who are accused of manipulating revenue systems to defraud the authority of more than US$6.3 million. They face charges of criminal abuse of office and fraud.

Authorities say the sting targets networks accused of under-declaring taxable transactions, laundering profits and exploiting digital platforms to evade detection. Officials and employees within customs, tax and regulatory agencies suspected of collusion are also under scrutiny.

The NPA stressed that international involvement is crucial to follow money trails leading to offshore accounts, hidden property holdings and foreign-registered assets. "This case involves massive fraud, racketeering, organised crime and money laundering, with serious prejudice to the economy," the authority said, noting that the Prosecutor General is guiding the investigations.

The operation will preserve and confiscate proceeds of crime once identified, with cases set to be prosecuted at the Anti-Corruption Court. More complex matters will be handled by specialised High Court judges.

ZACC corporate communications manager Simiso Mlevu confirmed the operation, saying, "I can confirm that a joint investigation is underway, but we cannot share any further details at this stage. ZACC collaborates with other agencies to augment skills and expertise not readily available within the institution."

Officials indicated that even individuals and organisations operating indirectly will be targeted. "Mostly, people use companies as a veil to mask their involvement, but at the end of the day, they are the masterminds. This is the extent to which we are going to set an example," the NPA said.

The participation of foreign agencies has boosted the operation's reach, enabling access to encrypted communications, offshore banking systems and global financial intelligence networks.