Mukhati brothers implicated in massive gold smuggling scandal
Harare- Muhammad Amir Mukhati and his brother Rauf Mukhati, both Pakistani nationals, have been identified as the masterminds behind an elaborate gold smuggling operation worth billions of dollars.
Operating covertly, the brothers have utilized Forbes border and Chirundu border as key points to smuggle gold out of Zimbabwe and transport it to various destinations globally.
The nefarious activities of the Mukhati brothers recently came to light after they fell victim to a brazen act by Airport official Roselyn Dunga. Dunga reportedly helped herself to a significant portion of a $20 million loot which illegally belonged to the Mukhati siblings, resulting in a loss of $2 million for the notorious duo.
Investigations have revealed that the Mukhati brothers collaborate with several Indian and Pakistani nationals who purchase gold from artisanal miners in Zimbabwe. By leveraging the Mukhatis’ expertise in smuggling, the illicit network operates seamlessly to distribute the gold to buyers worldwide.
A disturbing aspect of their operation involves the fraudulent use of licenses from legal gold exporters.
These exporters rent their licenses to the brothers who in turn abuse the licences and under cut the licence owners. The brothers under-declare the value of the gold being transported, paying significantly lower fees for license usage.
This unethical practice not only prejudices legitimate license holders but also poses a grave threat to the national economy.
The exposure of this elaborate gold smuggling network has sent shockwaves throughout the region, shedding light on the pervasive nature of transnational criminal activities. Authorities are ramping up efforts to dismantle this sophisticated operation and bring the perpetrators to justice, safeguarding the integrity of the gold trade industry and protecting the nation’s economic interests.
