MONEY LAUNDERING CASES RISE SHARPLY – DEC

By NATION REPORTER

REPORTED cases of money laundering have more than tripled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has revealed.

The DEC through its Anti-money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) has received 106 reports during the first quarter of 2022, involving K126, 218, 222.54 and US$ 5, 834, 622.00 compared to 29 reports received during the same period under review in 2021 representing a 265 percent increase. 

DEC spokesperson Mathias Kamanga said from the 106 reports received, 32 people from 30 cases were arrested involving K5, 082, 041. 

He said the DEC during the period under review seized 20 properties which included land and buildings and 56 motor vehicles.

Mr Kamanga said five people were convicted in five cases under the AMLIU during the quarter under review.

He said the DEC seized K343, 400 and US$6, 800.00 of counterfeit notes at the end of the period under review.

It has expressed concern at the rising numbers of drug and substance abuse in the country, “and we wish to call upon the government and other stakeholders to help in the establishment of the much-needed national rehabilitation centre.”

“In terms of drug supply reduction, the it arrested 1, 223 persons for various drug-related offences countrywide, representing a 46 percent increase from 832 arrests recorded in the same period in 2021.

He said convictions were recorded in 240 cases with 17 cases disposed of through other legal provisions while 528 cases were still pending at various stages of the court process at the end of the quarter under review.

Mr Kamanga said they seized cannabis plants, herb and seeds totalling 6.8 tons, compared to 27.73 tons recorded in the same period in 2021, thereby representing a reduction of 75 percent while other seizures included 3.7 kilograms of khat miraa, 66 grams of heroin, and 32.07 grams of cocaine and 3.1 grams of diazepam.