In a landmark case, a Chinese couple, Zhao Yanjing and Zhao Changson, have been fined K200,000 by the Lusaka Magistrates Court for smuggling gold and dollars into Zambia.
The couple, who are residents of Zimbabwe, pleaded guilty to the charges, avoiding a lengthy trial and potential imprisonment.
The couple was arrested on August 12, 2024, while transporting 29.925 kilograms of gold and US$200,000 in cash in a Toyota Prado.
They claimed they were unaware of the hidden items, but further investigations revealed their involvement in the smuggling scheme.
In court, the couple’s lawyer, Mwansa Chambaila, pleaded for leniency, citing their first-time offender status and willingness to plead guilty.
Magistrate Davies Chibwili fined the couple K100,000 each, with a default sentence of nine months imprisonment.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the smuggled gold, vehicle, and cash, valued at K58 million, following an application by Deputy Chief State advocate Magaret Chitundu.
The couple’s decision to plead guilty and accept the fine has brought a swift conclusion to the case, highlighting the importance of accountability in combating smuggling and related crimes.
