adminfrom the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Edias Warambwa, who also has a company in South Africa, is being charged under the Exchange Control Act.
He is in the business of importing fuel and basic commodities on behalf of various importers through his companies Lybon Pvt (Ltd) and Shachah Trading.
Warambwa (45) after receiving money from importers meant for clearance charges and duty would reportedly manufacture dummy documents at Zimra purporting that duty was paid.
Warambwa reportedly instructed the importers to deposit the money into his offshore accounts.
Appearing before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei yesterday, Warambwa said he understood the charges but denied committing the crime.
He was granted US$1 000 bail and remanded to November 21.
Prosecutor Ms Rutendo Manhimanzi says on November 10 2006, Warambwa instructed Philip Gallanders to deposit R74 393.90.
It was meant for storage, handling and clearance charges for Japhet Nyathi into his NEDBANK South Africa personal account.
He had not sought authority of the RBZ, which is the exchange control authority, says the State.
During the period extending from January to April 2009 at Lybon (Pvt Ltd), Warambwa allegedly externalised R3 097 493.23 by instructing Corpolo Carriers to deposit the money meant for duty payment for
Jovenna Energy Services for the importation of fuel into his Shachah Trading NedBank account.
In July 2009, Warambwa allegedly instructed Load Master’s Carriers to deposit US$2 367.90 meant for customs clearing and handling charges into his Shachah Trading’s NedBank account without authority from the central bank.
The State, alleges that he unlawfully externalised R3 071 887.13 and US$2 368.
Online Reporter