DEC Arrest Joe Malanji And Seize Two Helicopters And A Hotel From Him

THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) through its Anti-Money Laundering

Investigations Unit has seized a hotel and two helicopters belonging to Kwacha Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji.

The Commission has since arrested Mr Malanji for alleged money laundering activities involving K10 million and U$D 700,000.

DEC public relations officer Mathias Kamanga has told Mwebantu in a statement that Mr Malanji, 56, residing at Plot Number 179 Acacia Road, Roma Park, in Lusaka, has been arrested for allegedly being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime contrary to section 71 subsection (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

He said particulars of the offence are that Mr Malanji in his capacity as Director at Gibson

Royal Hotel in Buchi, Kitwe allegedly obtained a loan to facilitate for the development and renovations of the said hotel.

Mr Kamanga  said on dates unknown but between 1st January 2020 and 31st August 2021 jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, Mr Malanji allegedly obtained K10,000,000, property reasonably suspected to be proceed of crime and used it to pay off the loan.

He further said in the second count, Mr. Malanji is believed to have allegedly procured a helicopter namely Bell 206 Jet Ranger at $700,000.00, property reasonably suspected to be proceed of crime.

“The hotel has since been seized together with the two helicopters (the other one being the helicopter he was arrested for earlier) which are currently in South Africa and

arrangements are being made to have them brought into the country,” he said.

MWEBANTU