ZACC Arrests Chinese National in Major Lithium Smuggling Probe
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a Chinese national and several others for allegedly smuggling over 720 tonnes of lithium ore. The syndicate reportedly used fraudulent export documents to move the minerals through the Forbes Border Post.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing issue of illegal mineral extraction and corruption in the African mining sector, which impacts global supply chains for battery materials.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a director of Orequest (Pvt) Ltd over allegations that a syndicate smuggled more than 720 tonnes of unbeneficiated lithium ore out of Zimbabwe using fraudulent export documents.
Ning Yaokun, a Chinese national also known as Tony surrendered to authorities on 10 September and is expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
He faces charges including contravening the Customs and Excise Act attempted smuggling and unlawful dealing according to ZACC.
Yaokun joins several other suspects who are already on remand in connection with the alleged scheme, including Orequest finance director MinMin Song, Shuvai Muza and Charlene Chivandire.
Another suspect identified only as Malvern remains at large.
ZACC alleges that Orequest operated an illegal mineral-processing and dispatch facility at Plot 5, Cheltenham Park Drive, Ruwa, where lithium ore was stockpiled and prepared for export.
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