Zimbabwe: ZACC Arrests Chinese National in Major Lithium Smuggling Probe
[263Chat] The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a director of Orequest (Pvt) Ltd over allegations that a syndicate smuggled more than 720 tonnes of unbeneficiated lithium ore out of Zimbabwe using fraudulent export documents.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has apprehended a Chinese national, Ning Yaokun, in connection with a major lithium smuggling investigation. Yaokun, also known as Tony, surrendered to authorities on September 10 and is set to face Harare Magistrates Court. He faces charges of contravening the Customs and Excise Act, attempted smuggling, and unlawful dealing.
ZACC alleges that Yaokun, along with several others, orchestrated an illicit scheme to smuggle over 720 tonnes of unprocessed lithium ore from Zimbabwe using falsified export documents. The operation involved an illegal mineral-processing facility at Plot 5, Cheltenham Park Drive, Ruwa, where ore was prepared for export. Prosecutors claim the syndicate processed fraudulent paperwork and arranged truck transportation to the Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
Between July and September 2026, 23 trucks transported approximately 690 tonnes of lithium ore using fraudulent documents, with two more trucks moving the remaining 60 tonnes to Mozambique. Interceptions of three additional trucks containing 60 tonnes led to the recovery of 420 tonnes of lithium ore at various locations. ZACC also seized processing equipment during the investigation.
The commission is continuing its probe into the alleged smuggling syndicate, with some suspects still at large.
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