Chinese Businesswoman Arrested on Allegations of Illegally Importing Cyanide
By Staff Reporter
Chinese businesswoman Li Song
embroiled in controversy over allegations of theft, externalization of foreign currency, and attempted murder, among other charges, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Li Song was arrested as she exited the Harare Magistrates Court following a court session involving a dispute with her former business partner. She is currently detained at Avondale Police Station and is due to appear in court.
The specific allegations leading to Li Song’s arrest by the ZACC remain unclear, but a source indicates that the charges are related to the illegal purchase and disappearance of large quantities of cyanide.
It is alleged that Li Song illegally imported 100 tonnes of cyanide, but only 40 tonnes were discovered at an unauthorised place in Bulawayo, leaving 60 tonnes unaccounted for.
A few days ago, Li Song made headlines when she received a summons on charges of theft and the externalization of US$11 million.
It is alleged that Li Song transferred the money into an offshore account for Jacaranda Consultancy Pvt Ltd, located in Mauritius.
On these allegations, she will appear in court for trial on 21 May.
Recently, this publication reported that Francesco Marconati, a local businessman who exposed a well-organized syndicate engaged in externalizing foreign currency through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, has sought protection from the High Court, as his safety is now in jeopardy.
Marconati and Li Song are former business partners.
Marconati filed for declaratory relief after being arrested more than five times following his accusations of Li Song’s externalization of foreign currency.
In his application, Marconati contended that his rights were being violated after exposing the criminal syndicate, asking the court to acknowledge his rights and interests stemming from his whistleblowing activities.
“Sometime in 2021, I discovered that the companies, at first Eagle Italian Shoes (Pvt) Ltd and Eagle Italian Leather (Pvt) Ltd, had been abused by one of the directors, Li Song, who was involved in illicit transactions and was involved in bidding for forex as if on behalf of the company yet it was only for her personal benefit. The company lost huge sums of money in the process,” Marconati submitted.
The matter is still pending.
