By Jones Gadama
A Nigerian businessman, Dozy Mmobuosi, is at the center of a controversy involving a Malawian diplomatic passport and fraud charges in the United States.
Mmobuosi, 45, was issued a Malawian diplomatic passport within two hours after promising to build 500 houses for Cyclone Freddy victims in Malawi.
The passport issuance has raised eyebrows, especially given the recent US charges against Mmobuosi.
He is accused of orchestrating a massive scheme to inflate the financial statements of his company, Tingo Group, and making it appear profitable and cash-rich when it was not. Mmobuosi faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
US Attorney Damian Williams stated, “Mmobuosi allegedly orchestrated a massive scheme to inflate Tingo Group’s financial statements. With this indictment, Mmobuosi’s alleged deceitful scheme comes to an end.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith added, “Mmobuosi’s alleged fraud is an unseemly display of greed and corruption of our financial markets.”
Mmobuosi’s Tingo business was allegedly set up to appear as though he was Malawian.
The company’s operations have been under scrutiny, with allegations of fabricated financial statements and exaggerated claims.
The Malawian government’s decision to issue Mmobuosi a diplomatic passport has sparked concerns about the country’s visa restrictions for US visas.
The controversy has raised questions about the government’s vetting process for issuing diplomatic passports and its potential implications for international relations.
In a separate development, Mmobuosi’s foundation had provided funding for the construction of houses for Cyclone Freddy victims in Malawi.
However, the quality of the houses has been called into question, with residents complaining about cracks in the walls and floors.
As the controversy surrounding Mmobuosi’s diplomatic passport and US fraud charges continues to unfold, the Malawian government has yet to comment on the matter.
The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the issuance of diplomatic passports and the country’s international relations.
