By Lyton Chimalizeni
Malawi’s Fiscal Police have launched a manhunt for controversial businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala after he allegedly failed to appear for questioning in an investigation involving suspected property fraud, forged documents and money laundering.
Authorities have also named Maaz Karim, Hassan Hussein Jussab, Hassan Jussab, Steven Kajombo, Marion Kajombo, Kuzingwa Chilinjala and Kuleza Phokoso as persons wanted in connection with the same investigation.
Investigators say Batatawala was summoned to the Fiscal Police headquarters in Blantyre on 9 July to assist with investigations but did not report as requested. His absence prompted police to obtain an arrest warrant.
The criminal investigation centres on the alleged attempted transfer of Title Number Blantyre Central 242, a commercial property currently at the centre of a High Court Commercial Division case.Embattled Abdul Karim Batatawala Loses Corruptly Acquired Museum Of Malawi Land Court Case
The court has already granted an interim injunction preventing any sale, transfer, occupation or interference with the property until the dispute is fully heard.
According to court filings, the dispute originated from a K2.45 billion Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) contract awarded to Kumakoka Trading Company in 2022. The company is said to have sought financial and technical support to fulfil the contract, leading to a business arrangement involving Batatawala and his son, Maaz Karim, through Dubai-based company TNA Knight FZ LLC.
As part of the agreement, the owner of the disputed property allegedly offered the building as security for the contract.
However, the partnership reportedly collapsed after disagreements over the supply of electrical cables. Court documents allege that more than US$590,000 was paid towards procurement, but deliveries allegedly fell short of expectations, with claims of delayed shipments, increased charges and products that allegedly failed to meet required specifications.
The property dispute later intensified after the guarantor accused some of the parties of attempting to transfer ownership of the building without his consent.Corrupt Asian businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala captures Chakwera’s State House
Adding weight to the investigation, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) reportedly informed the property owner’s lawyers that it had found no record of an application for the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) allegedly used during the transfer process.
The tax authority further indicated that the certificate presented contained several irregularities, including inconsistencies in its numbering, official stamp, logo and document layout, raising concerns over its authenticity.MWENYE KIDNAPPING SAGA: Mustak Chotia implicates Mr Dipak Jevant of Sealand Investments
The alleged forged tax certificate has now become a key piece of evidence in both the civil case and the ongoing criminal investigation.
Police investigations are continuing, while the High Court injunction remains in force until the commercial dispute is determined. No court has yet made a final ruling on the allegations, and those named in the investigation are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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