By 
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested Ernest Siuluta, a former Administrator and Finance Officer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Medicine, on charges of laundering US$557,652.
According to DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba, the 49-year-old Lusaka resident was arrested for theft under Section 272 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 87, and money laundering under Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, No. 14 of 2001, as amended by Act No. 44 of 2010.
Tamba stated in a Tuesday statement that Siuluta’s arrest followed investigations into fraudulent activities involving unauthorized transactions from research funds.
These funds, provided by the United States National Institute of Health and disbursed through the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln School of Biological Sciences, were misappropriated for personal gain.
“Siuluta initiated payments to individuals not employed on research study projects at UNZA’s School of Medicine and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH),” Tamba said.
With intent to defraud, Siuluta also allegedly instructed cash withdrawals amounting to $22,850 from research accounts at an unnamed bank.
In connection with the money laundering charges, DEC has seized three houses and apartments located in Lusaka’s Meanwood Ibex area, suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Siuluta has been released on police bond and awaits the commencement of judicial proceedings.
Tamba cautioned against the theft of donor funds, emphasizing that offenders would face stringent legal action.
“The Commission takes a keen interest in how institutions manage public resources. Those found mismanaging funds will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments