The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on Tuesday 21 September 2021 arrested six people from Mapeto (DWSM) Limited and Fortune Clearing Agents for allegedly conniving to defraud the Malawi Government of revenue amounting to MK252, 620, 236.81.
The six include Faizal Gaffar Latif and Zarina Latif who are Directors of Mapeto (DWSM) Limited and the company’s Managing Director Mohamed Gaffar
The Authority has also arrested an employee of the textile firm, Muhammad Yaseen, who is also the proprietor of Star Style Investments. McKnight Banda and Chimwemwe Tembo, the Manager and officer of Fortune Limited Clearing Agents respectively, have also been arrested.
The six, among others, are alleged to have falsified documents presented to Customs for declaration and clearance of fabrics with intent to defraud Government of revenue. They have been arrested under the following alleged offences;
· Conspiracy to commit customs offences, contrary to section 132 (j) as read with section 142 of the Customs and Excise Act Cap 42:01 (of the Laws of Malawi).,
· Interfering with goods under customs control, contrary to section 134(d) as read with sections 3 and 143 of the Customs and Excise Act (Cap 42:01 of the Laws of Malawi).
· Uttering a false document contrary to section 360 as read with section 356 of the Penal Code, CAP 7:01 of the Laws of Malawi.
The six will appear before court soon.
