Heavy police presence as former First Lady, Esther Lungu, faces money laundering charges

Former First Lady Esther Lungu has been arrested and charged with money laundering and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, as Zambian police sealed off roads leading to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) offices in Lusaka on Wednesday.

Lungu is accused of possessing a property valued at K4.8 million in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, which authorities suspect to be proceeds of criminal activity.

She is also facing charges of money laundering, as prosecutors allege she is indirectly paid K45,000 per month for the property through a third-party lease agreement.

Ahead of her questioning, Zambia Police deployed officers in full riot gear, sealing off access to the DEC offices to control the crowd.

Roads leading to the area were barricaded, and movement was heavily restricted to prevent gatherings around the offices, given the intense public interest in the case.

Her lawyer, Charles Changala, identified the property in question as number LUSAK/LN 28935/7 and, in a phone interview, stated that his client denied all allegations.

“They are alleging she possessed this property as a proceed of crime, which she denies,” he said.

Changala added that authorities claim Lungu engaged a third party to arrange a lease agreement on the property, allowing her to make indirect monthly payments of K45,000.

“They allege she hired a third party to enter into a lease agreement through which she indirectly paid K45,000 per month,” Changala explained.

He noted that these transactions reportedly took place between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2023.

Lungu, who has denied all charges, had been released on police bond, extending her previous engagement with the DEC on July 30, 2024.

Changala stated that Lungu was expected to appear in court at a later date, with additional charges potentially forthcoming.

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.