Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 14th January, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) has formally charged and arrested 49-year-old Chafye Ernest Ali Siuluta, a Lusaka resident and former Administrator and Finance Officer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Medicine.
The charges include Theft, in violation of Section 272 of the Penal Code Act (CAP 87), and Money Laundering, pursuant to Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, as amended by Act No. 44 of 2010.
The arrest follows an in-depth investigation into allegations of fraudulent financial activities linked to Mr. Siuluta during his tenure at UNZA’s School of Medicine and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
The investigation uncovered unauthorized transactions involving funds intended for research projects supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), disbursed through the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln School of Biological Sciences.
Between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022, Mr. Siuluta allegedly orchestrated the theft of $557,652 by issuing fraudulent cheque payments from institutional research accounts to individuals who subsequently funneled the funds back to him. Part of the stolen money was reportedly deposited into his personal bank accounts.
In addition, Mr. Siuluta is accused of authorizing cash withdrawals totaling $22,850 from research accounts under false pretenses.
These payments were purportedly for goods and services delivered to UNZA’s School of Medicine and UTH research projects, though investigations revealed no such transactions occurred.
Seized Assets and Legal Action:
As part of the money laundering charges, the Commission has seized three residential properties in Lusaka’s Meanwood Ibex area, believed to have been acquired using proceeds of the crime.
Mr. Siuluta has been released on police bond as he awaits the commencement of judicial proceedings.
The Commission has issued a stern warning to individuals misusing donor funds, emphasizing that such acts will be met with strict legal action.
DEC also reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of public and donor resources, urging professionals to discharge their duties responsibly.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious financial activities to the Commission to enhance efforts in preventing and combating money laundering and other financial crimes.
This case underscores the DEC’s resolve to uphold financial integrity and protect donor-funded initiatives from exploitation.
Drug Enforcement Commission
The Ministry Of Home Affairs and Internal Security
The Agency
