The recent money laundering scandal is big news and those accused have all started defending themselves. One of the top lawyers accused of laundering money worth more than USD 1 billion is Masozi M. Banda, a noted lawyer from Avik International. When confronted, he said that majority of the money received by him belonged to the Zambian dictator Edgar Lungu. Banda has also stated that he is just a conduit for monetary transactions from his firm, the Avik International, and the amount has been received for road and related government contracts. Banda is among other lawyers ‘shortlisted’ by the Financial Intelligence Centre for suspected mass money laundering activities.

One of the other names in the list by FIC was of Sakwiba Sikota. Sakwiba is the owner of Central Chambers, a law firm. He has gained more attention for his long-term relationship as a legal counsellor for the Ventriglias. The Ventriglias are notorious family in Zambia, known for their illegal activities, forcefully capturing organizations and factories as well as getting away with law or prosecution with their tricks. The Ventriglias had captured the Portland Cement Zambia, which belonged to Dr. Rajan Mahtani, almost 10 years back. Since then, Dr. Mahtani has been fighting the case for legal ownership of the factory at the Lusaka High Court. Sakwiba Sikota is handling the case from the Ventriglias end and the announcement of the latest money laundering act can have serious repercussions and implications to this case.

The money laundering activities has shocked the entire nation. Citizens are still coming up with the amount of money involved, which is more than USD 1 billion as well as the level of involvement of top government officials and lawyers from corporate and political houses. The industrialists have also shared their concern regarding this high level of corruption within the Zambian government and have demanded strict actions against those involved.