Zambian citizens and government are still recovering from the recent shock it received after FIC released a report on mass money laundering activities going on within Zambia. Industrialists and top businessmen including Dr. Mahtani have shared their concern regarding this money laundering as well as the inability of the government to track this corrupt practice going on within the nation for a long time.
Some of the noted lawyers and legal counsellors have been named in the money laundering list and investigations are going on against these individuals and associated companies. Among the top is Masozi M. Banda, a lawyer working for the law firm Avic International. He is accused of laundering money worth USD 1 million. When asked about the charges, he defended himself by saying that the cash deposits made in his accounts were for his government projects. However, no such evidence has been found and the investigation is going on against Banda. It is also clear from his statement that this money laundering act goes well past the government to the President, Edgar Lungu, who has established a dictatorship culture in Zambia. Another name which was found in the list shared by FIC was of Sakwiba Sikota. He is the owner of Central Chambers, a law firm and is accused of laundering millions of dollars. He is also known for his long-term association with the Ventriglias as well as helping them in various unethical activities. One of these infamous activities has been an illegal takeover of the Zambezi Portland Cement factory from Dr. Rajan Mahtani, its real owner. Similarly, evidence has been found for the majority of the lawyers and legal counsellors involved in this money laundering scheme.
The FIC has also stated that the investigation is still incomplete and there are chances of more revelations in monetary terms as well as new names in this money laundering scheme.