An investigation has revealed allegations that a Taiwanese Buddhist care center in Blantyre may have facilitated illegal wildlife smuggling operations involving orphaned children. The Amitofo Care Centre faces scrutiny after reports emerged that some youths were allegedly manipulated into helping Chinese traffickers move protected animal products.
Francis, a 19-year-old former resident, stated that Branson Njunga, the facility's human resources manager, pressured him into assisting with ivory transactions. Njunga was arrested in Chikwawa for possessing elephant tusks and currently faces criminal charges. During undercover work, he reportedly admitted obtaining ivory for Chinese contacts in Lilongwe and offered 20 kilograms to an investigator. Francis fled the center to avoid potential legal trouble.
The case connects to Yunhua Lin, a Chinese national convicted of international wildlife crimes who received a pardon from former President Lazarus Chakwera in July. Lin allegedly maintains connections to the center's Lilongwe location and purchased property reportedly used for storing illegal animal parts. Aaron Dyson, a former student at the facility, allegedly helped transport ivory and rhino horn across multiple African nations after recruitment into the criminal network. Environmental advocates are demanding action from multiple government agencies to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen monitoring of foreign charitable groups.
Francis, a 19-year-old former resident, stated that Branson Njunga, the facility's human resources manager, pressured him into assisting with ivory transactions. Njunga was arrested in Chikwawa for possessing elephant tusks and currently faces criminal charges. During undercover work, he reportedly admitted obtaining ivory for Chinese contacts in Lilongwe and offered 20 kilograms to an investigator. Francis fled the center to avoid potential legal trouble.
The case connects to Yunhua Lin, a Chinese national convicted of international wildlife crimes who received a pardon from former President Lazarus Chakwera in July. Lin allegedly maintains connections to the center's Lilongwe location and purchased property reportedly used for storing illegal animal parts. Aaron Dyson, a former student at the facility, allegedly helped transport ivory and rhino horn across multiple African nations after recruitment into the criminal network. Environmental advocates are demanding action from multiple government agencies to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen monitoring of foreign charitable groups.
