HomeCrime and Courts

Corrupt ZIMRA Official Forfeits To State Properties Worth US$1.1 Million

1 year agoMon, 04 Jul 2022 06:40:56 GMT
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn
Corrupt ZIMRA Official Forfeits To State Properties Worth US$1.1 Million

A former Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official has forfeited properties worth US$1.1 million to the state after being convicted of fraud in 2018.

The properties:

1). Stand 215 Glen Lorne Township 8 measuring 4 517 square metres;

2). Stand 3036 Shawasha Hills, Glen Lorne;

3). Mercedes Benz C Class 1997; 

4). 2 500 ordinary shares of $2 in Derwent Lodge (Pvt) Ltd giving rights of occupation of flat number 19 Derwent situated at Number 9 Josiah Chinamano Avenue.

Latest Tecno Pop 8 - now available in Pindula.

$94, Cash on Delivery in Harare & Bulawayo.

WhatsApp: 0783 450 793

The High Court ordered that the State takeover properties ill-gotten by Tapiwa Evans Chidemo who acquired the wealth by diverting to his own use Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds meant to be paid to ZIMRA clients through the Paynet system.

Chidemo was prosecuted and convicted for misappropriating a total of US$1 119 833.96 from ZIMRA.

Chidemo was charged with nine counts of fraud and one count of money laundering and found guilty of two counts of fraud and sentenced to six years imprisonment in 2018. 

Out of that total, one year was suspended on the condition of future good behaviour and another two years were suspended on the condition he paid back everything that was stolen. 

A precedent will be set when it is decided whether the forced seizure of the property on the application of the National Prosecuting Authority counts as the desired refund or whether Chidemo missed his chance to liquidate his assets and buy two years of freedom and so remains behind bars without the suspension but also without the money.

The suspension of part of a fraud or theft sentence on condition of repayment within a time limit was justified by the High Court judge who introduced it, with full backing from the Supreme Court on appeal, on the basis that if the money had been repaid before the trial this would be taken into account as mitigation when the sentence was given. 

By offering mitigation in advance, the judge was hoping that criminals would repay. The ruling has become a firm precedent, but this is the first time someone has lost property to a forfeiture order.

Chidemo was a shareholder of Armeline Investments, the vehicle used to buy his property portfolio.

More: Pindula News is best enjoyed via the App. Download it here

Tags

0 Comments

Leave a Comment


Generate a Whatsapp Message

Buy Phones on Credit.

More Deals
Feedback