Zimra employees in US$6.3 million fraud

Published: 11 hours ago

Two employees of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) appeared in court yesterday, accused of orchestrating a scheme that allegedly defrauded the authority of over US$6.3 million.

Shupikai Mary Nicola Marongwe, a database administrator, and Paradzai Mutasa, a systems developer, appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. The court heard that the duo exploited ZIMRA's ongoing Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) project, designed to integrate with the ASYCUDA system. The integration allows regulatory agencies to manage permits, licences, and certificates alongside customs and excise duties, improving the ease of doing business.

According to prosecutors, the two employees created an account called ZESWASYCUDA, granting themselves excessive rights to edit, delete, and update any data within the ASYCUDA system without supervisory approval. They then allegedly recruited clearing agents across the country to participate in the scam.

Mutasa is accused of creating fictitious and inflated figures in the clearing agents' pre-payment accounts, falsely representing deposits that were never made. In return, the clearing agents paid the duo cash, which was then converted for personal use. As a result, several agents reportedly imported goods without paying the required duties.

Prosecutors stated that ZIMRA suffered a financial prejudice amounting to ZIG$171,186,079.41 (approximately US$6,340,251), with an additional US$37,200 lost. To date, none of the funds have been recovered.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the accused are expected back in court as the case proceeds.
- H-Metro

Tags: Zimra,