Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A HARARE-BASED businessman appeared in court on Saturday, facing allegations of facilitating a money laundering scheme involving the importation of Naphthalene from South Africa.
Naphthalene is a white, volatile, crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon with a strong, distinct odor, most commonly recognized as the active ingredient in traditional mothballs. It is derived from coal tar or petroleum and is used to produce phthalic anhydride, plastics, resins, and insecticides.
The alleged scam, which occurred between April 1 and May 8, 2025, involved transactions worth US$368 695,65.
Peter Bhachi, a director of Tamir Customs Clearing (Private) Limited, is charged with contravening the Exchange Control Act and the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Bhachi, who resides at House Number 1966 Gletwin, Harare, allegedly used his company to import goods without being a registered importer with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
The prosecution alleges that Bhachi and his accomplices imported Naphthalene from South Africa, using fake documents to launder money and make it appear legitimate.
The scheme involved Ledim Investments (Private) Limited, which is said to have received the imported goods. Bhachi was arrested on August 19, 2025, and was granted US$200 bail.
Two other accused individuals were also arrested and implicated Bhachi in the scam.
The investigation revealed that the transactions were not done through the exchange control system, and the money used for the imports was not verified.
The accused is expected to face further trial, with the value involved in the scam standing at US$368 695,65, and nothing has been recovered.
