The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, has seized assets worth approximately $51.5 million in a major crackdown on money laundering and gold smuggling.
According to Chief Prosecutor Chris Mutangadura, the unit is targeting individuals suspected of accumulating wealth through illicit mineral trade and organized crime. The operation focuses on high-profile figures whose lifestyles—featuring luxury vehicles, mansions, and private jets—far exceed their declared incomes.
Authorities are using provisions of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, including Unexplained Wealth Orders, which compel individuals to justify the source of their wealth or risk forfeiture to the state.
Seized assets include prime real estate in Harare’s northern suburbs, gold bullion, and fleets of luxury vehicles. Investigations indicate that gold has been smuggled mainly to Dubai and South Africa, bypassing official channels such as Fidelity Gold Refinery.
Estimates suggest Zimbabwe loses between $1.5 billion and $2 billion annually due to gold smuggling. The government has confirmed that recovered assets will be deposited into the Recovered Asset Fund at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to support public infrastructure projects, including hospitals and schools.
