Police Nabs Lebanese Businessman For Fraudulently Obtaining US$799,950 In Mukula Deal

Zambia Police has arrested a 40-year-old Lebanese/Zambian businessman for fraudulently obtaining US$799,950 from a Chinese national in a fake Mukula deal.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga revealed that Ali Hussein Yehia, who was charged for the Offence of obtaining money by false pretenses, has since been released on police bond and is scheduled to appear in court soon.

“The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the public that a report of obtaining money by false pretenses was received on May 10, 2024 at 18:00 hours.”

“The report was made by Mr. Simusokwe Kaziya, aged 36, a businessman, on behalf of Mr. Jim Zhao, a Chinese national,” Mr. Hamoonga explained.

He said according to the report, known persons obtained money amounting to US$799,950 under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of containers of Mukula Timber from ZAFFICO, when no such arrangement existed.

Mr. Hamoonga added that the fraudulent activity is alleged to have occurred between June 2021 and August 3, 2021, at an unknown time, in Lusaka.

“Following this report, investigations were immediately instituted. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 10:00 hours, police apprehended Mr. Ali Hussein Yehia, aged 40, a Lebanese/Zambian national residing at Plot Number 6864, Makeni Bonaventure.”

“Mr. Yehia, a businessman, was detained in police custody, formerly arrested and charged for the Offence of obtaining money by false pretenses and released on December 17, 2024 on police bond. He is scheduled to appear in court soon,” he said.

He urged the public to exercise due diligence when engaging in financial transactions and to report any suspected fraudulent activities to the police.

“The Zambia Police Service continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of cases involving financial crimes to ensure that justice is served and perpetrators are held accountable,” Mr. Hamoonga added.