If the recent reports are to be believed, the economic condition of the Zambian nation is in a mess. This can be attributed to the latest money laundering claims, which has already dampened the economic and social development of the nation. The money laundering news was released by Financial Intelligence, which revealed that more than USD 1.5 billion worth of money is lost in this scam. At the same time, the actual amount of money lost by the government is expected to be much more, and the government is investigating this issue.

Two names that stood out in this list released by the FIC were of Masozi M. Banda and Sakwiba Sikota. Masozi M. Banda is a lawyer working with the Avic International and is accused of laundering money worth USD 1 million. While he has been defending himself by saying that the amount belongs to government contractors such as the construction of roads, the sources are investigating on this matter and no such records could be accessed from the government. Furthermore, Sakwiba Sikota is the owner of Central Chambers and long-time legal counsellor for the infamous Ventriglias. It is the same family who illegally took over the Portland Cement Zambia from Dr. Rajan Mahtani, its real owner. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is still fighting the case for the legal takeover of the factory at the Lusaka High Court.

It is clear that almost all of the individuals listed as per the FIC as well as accused of money laundering have engaged in unethical practices in the past too. This clearly indicates that multiple crimes and repeat unethical and illegal offenses. Therefore, it is time for the government to take action and ensure that proper punishment is given to these criminals.