President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, has been arrested along with the Secretary-General and two other persons over an alleged money laundering running into K341,902.
The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which made the arrest, said in a statement on Tuesday through its Assistant Public Relations Officer, Sydney Katongo, that Kamanga was jointly charged with FAZ General-Secretary, Reuben Kamanga.
Katongo named the other individuals arrested as Madalitso Kamanga and Jailous Siame, residing in Woodlands Chalala and Mumbwa Road respectively, and will be jointly charged on several offenses including obtaining money by false pretenses.
The DEC spokesman said other offenses were obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud government.
“DEC investigations revealed that the suspects while acting together, obtained K341, 902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretenses,” Katongo said in the statement.
He stated that money was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), however, the allowances were transferred into their personal accounts with Madalitso and Jairous getting K170, 951, while they also individually obtained return tickets valued at K99,980.
“It was discovered that the funds were disbursed to two individuals under the guise of being FAZ officials, necessitating their attendance with the advance party for AFCON,” Katongo said.
He added that investigations revealed that neither Madalitso nor Jairous held official or executive positions within FAZ.
“This fraudulent activity transpired between January, 1 and February, 15, 2024, coinciding with the dates of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast from January, 13, to February, 11, 2024.
“The suspects are currently finalising bond processes and will appear in court soon. The DEC underscores its unwavering commitment to combating money laundering offenses within Zambia,” Katongo assured.
“The Commission will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in money laundering schemes, ensuring accountability and justice for all,” Katongo added.