Zimbabwean authorities plan to confiscate assets belonging to two imprisoned entrepreneurs after their conviction in a multimillion-dollar procurement scandal. Prosecutors told the court on Friday they will seek forfeiture under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act against Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, who were found guilty of defrauding the government of $7 million. The men await sentencing scheduled for Nov. 17 and face potential prison terms of at least 20 years.
Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi requested a delay to file the asset seizure application until written verdicts become available next week. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda said documentation will be ready by the following Wednesday. Pre-sentencing hearings are set for Nov. 14.
Evidence showed the pair submitted falsified records through their company, Blackdeck Private Limited, after winning a contract in 2021 to supply more than 632,000 goats valued at $87 million. Officials paid roughly $7.7 million in two transactions during 2022 but received fewer than 5,000 animals. The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture terminated the agreement in August 2022 after discovering discrepancies. Investigators determined that tax documents carried invalid certification codes registered to different businesses.
Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi requested a delay to file the asset seizure application until written verdicts become available next week. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda said documentation will be ready by the following Wednesday. Pre-sentencing hearings are set for Nov. 14.
Evidence showed the pair submitted falsified records through their company, Blackdeck Private Limited, after winning a contract in 2021 to supply more than 632,000 goats valued at $87 million. Officials paid roughly $7.7 million in two transactions during 2022 but received fewer than 5,000 animals. The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture terminated the agreement in August 2022 after discovering discrepancies. Investigators determined that tax documents carried invalid certification codes registered to different businesses.
