Li Song, a Chinese national living in Harare, has been detained by detectives from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on several serious allegations, including the fraudulent importation and improper handling of huge amounts of cyanide. This arrest marks a dramatic uptick in the investigation. As Li was leaving the Harare Magistrates Court, where she was speaking about a different legal matter, she was arrested on a busy Wednesday afternoon. With immediate action, the ZACC squad arrested Li and quickly led her into a ZACC car. According to sources, she was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to formally answer to her allegations.
Li is facing serious and multifaceted charges. In addition to the environmental and safety infractions resulting from the handling of the extremely dangerous chemical cyanide, she is deeply involved in criminal and financial scandals that carry substantial consequences. One of these is that she allegedly externalized US$11 million by manipulating the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange trading system. The substantial quantities of foreign cash that are allegedly being stolen out of the nation might put at risk Zimbabwe’s financial stability. The urgency of this issue has been brought to the attention of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe through a written complaint.
Li is also accused of being involved in an attempted murder case involving Francesco Marconati, the owner of Eagle Italian Shoes and Leather, her former business partner. This accusation suggests a recurrent conflict in her economic transactions and gives her legal issues a personal and violent element.
Li Song was previously issued an obligation to appear in court on May 21 in order to address the allegations of money laundering and externalization. These legal actions are a part of Zimbabwean authorities’ larger campaign against corruption and illicit financial operations, especially those that involve foreign nationals and substantial sums of money.
Li Song’s arrest by ZACC is a component of the government of Zimbabwe’s continuous efforts to fight corruption and uphold regulations pertaining to the safe handling of dangerous chemicals. It also emphasizes how vigilant Zimbabwean authorities are becoming in keeping an eye on and penalizing those engaged in activities that endanger a threat to public safety and economic security.
