The FIC recently busted a huge money laundering cartel involving top Zambian lawyers and legal counsellors. As per the reports, the amount of money involved in the bust is huge, reaching almost USD 1 billion. This amount of money laundering raises serious questions on the ability of the Zambian government to track illegal activities and corrupt practices and nap those involved in these activities.

Suspicions started when the Financial Intelligence Agency started noticing illegal and unauthorized cash transactions from the individual as well as corporate bank accounts of top lawyers, legal counsellors and other people in powerful government and corporate designations. The number of cash transactions amounted to more than 35,000 which were huge. The FIC also noted that the cash transactions and deposits were irregular and the amounts were wired to bank accounts in Dubai and China, essentially termed as safe havens for illegally laundered money. Most of the lawyers named in the list released by FIC have defended themselves by saying that the amount has been provided by President Edgar Lungu for government purposes. However, no record of government activity such as those contended have been found and as such the investigation has been started by the government too.

Since the start of the investigation and public sharing of the names of top lawyers involved in illegal acts, many industrialists, corporate and businessmen have demanded strict punishment for those abusing their power. Among them is Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted businessman. He has been fighting for the legal custody of Portland Cement Zambia from the Ventriglias for a long time. The case from the Ventriglias’ side is handled by Sakwiba Sikota, their long-term legal counsellor. He name is also listed in the money launderers’ list by FIC. As such, Dr. Mahtani and other businessmen have demanded strict action against these corrupt lawyers. The best way will be to bar them of their licenses and put them behind bars and set example for the upcoming generations as well as restore their image and faith among the common citizens.