By Burnett Munthali
On January 27, 2025, an incident occurred at Chileka International Airport that exposed an attempted externalization of 40 kilograms of gold by a Mozambican national. The case has raised critical concerns about the illegal trade and smuggling of precious metals through Malawi’s borders.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Julio Armando Penicela, was intercepted at the VIP lounge of Chileka International Airport by officers from the Fiscal and Fraud Section. Acting on a tip-off, Assistant Detective Sergeant (A/D/S) Inspector Owen Kanduku, along with Detective Sergeant Zgambo and D/S Inspector Namboya, apprehended the suspect after his bags were subjected to a rescan at the airport’s X-ray machine. The inspection revealed five batches of gold, with three containing 12 bars each, one containing 18 bars, and another containing 16 bars. The total weight of the gold was approximately 40 kilograms. However, its total value has not yet been disclosed.
Upon interrogation, Penicela admitted that he was from Tete Province in Mozambique and had been entrusted with the gold by his employer to transport it to Dubai. He entered Malawi through Mwanza Border on January 26, 2025, using Mozambican passport number AB 1562039 and was in transit to Dubai at the time of his arrest. Notably, Penicela failed to declare the gold upon his arrival in Malawi, a clear violation of Section 8(1) of the Exchange Control Act (ECA).
Following his arrest, both the gold and Penicela’s passport were confiscated as evidence. Although investigations are ongoing, the suspect has been issued police bail and is expected to report back to Chileka Airport Police on January 28, 2025. According to officials, the case is now being processed for court proceedings after the completion of all necessary legal formalities.
This incident highlights the vigilance of Malawi’s law enforcement agencies in combating illegal activities at entry and exit points. However, it also underscores the persistent challenges of ensuring that travelers comply with the country’s laws regarding the declaration and export of precious resources. As investigations continue, authorities are keen to determine the full scope of this smuggling attempt, including identifying the suspect’s employer and the intended recipient of the bullion in Dubai.
The case of Julio Armando Penicela serves as a stern warning against the unauthorized externalization of Malawi’s resources and foreign goods. It also reaffirms the importance of maintaining stringent security protocols at Malawi’s ports of entry and exit to curb such unlawful activities.
