Chinese businessman arrested in Lusaka over alleged $55,000 fake gold scam

Police in Lusaka have arrested Chinese businessman Liang Qi, 45, for allegedly obtaining US $55,000 by false pretences.

Liang is being held at Kanyama Police Station on a charge of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code (Cap 87) of the Laws of Zambia, police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said in a statement issued on Monday.

He was picked up at 05:00 hours on Sunday, 15 June 2025, after fellow Chinese national Sun Jun, 46, of Emmasdale, Lusaka, reported that he had been swindled in a bogus gold deal.

Investigators say Liang posed as a bona‑fide gold dealer on 23 May, 2025, convincing the complainant to hand over US $55,000 for what turned out to be counterfeit minerals.

Hamoonga said the suspect remains in custody and will appear in court soon.

“So far no recovery of the stolen funds has been made. Investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided,” he added.

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