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The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has revealed a suspected international wildlife trafficking syndicate involving both Zambians and foreign nationals allegedly collaborating to illegally harvest and export Mopani logs, a protected forest product.
According to the FIC’s latest report, the case involved four trucks intercepted in an undisclosed location referred to as “Town A.”
The vehicles, loaded with Mopani logs, were reportedly headed toward a neighbouring country, identified only as “Country M,” via “Border Y,” without valid export documentation.
Read more: Financial Intelligence Centre says multi-million dollar mineral smuggling network uncovered
Law enforcement officers arrested six foreign nationals at the scene, along with a Zambian suspect identified only as Individual N, who is listed as a director and shareholder of Company ZZ—a foreign-owned firm believed to be central to the smuggling operation.
A subsequent raid on Company ZZ’s premises led to the seizure of property suspected to be connected to the illegal trade.
One of the trucks was found carrying 65 Mopani logs allegedly loaded at a warehouse owned by the company.
FIC analysis further revealed that Company ZZ had received over US$313,000 in 2024 alone from three Asian-based companies—identified in the report as Companies DA, RS, and CS—all involved in the timber and furniture industry.
Company DA transferred US$210,000, Company RS remitted US$91,000, and Company CS sent US$12,000.
The funds are suspected to be payments for illegally sourced Mopani wood and are under investigation as potential proceeds of wildlife crime and money laundering.
The case has since been handed over to law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating wildlife crimes, corruption, and financial misconduct.
In its recommendations, the FIC called for enhanced capacity within forestry and border enforcement authorities.
It urged the deployment of advanced tools such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, GPS-enabled mobile applications, drones, and real-time reporting systems to effectively monitor and prevent illegal logging.
The Centre also advocated for increasing the number of skilled personnel to strengthen surveillance and improve prosecution outcomes in forestry-related crimes.
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