DEC arrests three civil servants for money laundering

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka has arrested 3 civil servants in the Ministry of General Education for money laundering activities involving over K2.7 million.

The 3 suspects are identified as Lawrence Bwalya Phiri, 46, an accountant of Civic Centre area in Lusaka, Eliya Mwale 41, of house number 238,Chamba Valley and Vengi Sinda, 58, a standards officer residing in Olympia Teachers’ Compound.

On dates unknown but between 1^st January, 2014 and 31^st December, 2016, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, the trio being employees of the Ministry of General Education stole K2, 717, 471.50 from the Ministry’s account by raising 9 fraudulent cheques in favour of Lawrence Bwalya Phiri on different dates and later cashed them over the counter at a named bank in Lusaka.

The trio has since been slapped with forgery, uttering false documents, fraudulent false accounting, theft by public servant and money laundering, contrary to the laws of Zambia.

The suspects have however been released on police bond and are expected to appear before the Lusaka Magistrate Court soon.

This is according to a statement made available to Q- News by DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo.