THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says the gold saga that recently captured widespread attention on social media is, in fact, a sophisticated scam.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, DEC Director General Nason Banda disclosed that thorough investigation has uncovered a network of individuals behind this fraudulent operation.
Mr Banda said the investigative process has been meticulous and comprehensive, leading to the detention of 13 suspects believed to be involved in orchestrating the scam.
He said among the suspects, nine are foreign nationals while the remaining four are Zambian citizens.
Mr Banda urged the public to approach the matter with a sense of decorum, considering that substantial progress has been achieved in shedding light on the scam.
“I am assuring you that it has thoroughly been dissected and the dissection is very clear. We know where we are heading to as law enforcement. We want to assure you that we know where we are headed to with this case and we are decided. Perhaps to let a small cat out of the bag, this has been a clear case of scamming contrary to what has been coming out from social media.
Very soon you will start seeing court cases. Having said this, I want to mention that as you seek information, let there be decency in that,” he said.
Mr Banda noted that the investigative wings are investigating the matter in unity and are making serious head way.
He also noted that investigations will not be carried out in the press as it will jeopardize investigations.
“We respect your right to get information from us, but we will not carry out investigations in the press for a simple reason. Whenever a person is arrested, the aim is to let them receive a chance to be heard and also to defend themselves in court which is an open place. Meaning that as we investigate, we are preparing for court,” he said.
And when asked on the potential involvement of a syndicate based in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr Banda confirmed that the scammers have connections beyond borders, with both Zambian and foreign individuals being implicated.
(Mwebantu, Thursday, 17th August, 2023)