DEC charges ex-president Lungu’s associate, Mbaya, with money laundering, illegal firearms possession

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has formally charged Martin Mbaya, an associate of former president Edgar Lungu, for money laundering offences.

Mbaya, 50, of Plot 2174 Mean Wood Ndeke, Lusaka, faces charges of possessing property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba detailed the charges against Mbaya, which include possession of a firearm without a licence, contrary to Section 10 of the Firearms Act, Chapter 110 of the Laws of Zambia.

Additionally, Mbaya has been charged with possession of ammunition without a licence, and forgery, contrary to Sections 342 and 347 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

He was also accused of uttering a false document, contrary to Section 352 of the same act.

“Particulars of the offences are that in the first count, on April 21, 2024, Martin Mbaya, in Lusaka District, possessed property namely a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number BAP 7240, reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime,” Tamba said.

In the second count, Mbaya is alleged to have possessed a 9-millimeter Girsan pistol, serial number T6368-20Y00008, without a licence.

On the same date, under the third count, Mbaya was found with 96 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition without a licence.

“In counts four and five, it is alleged that between January 1, 2022, and April 21, 2024, with intent to deceive, Martin Mbaya forged a firearm licence number 1228545, falsely purporting it to have been issued by the Lusaka City Council, and uttered the forged licence to DEC officers,” Tamba stated.

Tamba said the DEC’s actions underscored the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in combating financial crimes and maintaining public safety.

He assured that the Commission would continue to pursue justice relentlessly, reinforcing the integrity of the legal system and the safety of the nation.

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