A Harare-based businessman has appeared in court facing allegations of orchestrating a US$368,695.65 import fraud and money laundering scheme linked to the importation of Naphthalene from South Africa.
Peter Bhachi, a director of Tamir Customs Clearing (Private) Limited, is accused of contravening provisions of the Exchange Control Act as well as the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Prosecutors allege that between April 1 and May 8, 2025, Bhachi facilitated the importation of goods using fraudulent documentation despite not being registered as an authorised importer with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
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According to the State, Bhachi allegedly worked with accomplices to bring Naphthalene into the country while bypassing the official exchange control system, using falsified paperwork to conceal the origin and legitimacy of funds used in the transactions. The imported consignment was reportedly received by Ledim Investments (Private) Limited.
Investigations further revealed that the funds used for the imports were neither verified nor processed through approved foreign currency channels, raising suspicions of money laundering. Two other accused persons arrested in connection with the matter are said to have implicated Bhachi during investigations.
Bhachi, who resides at House Number 1966 Gletwin in Harare, was arrested on August 19, 2025, and granted bail of US$200. Authorities say nothing has been recovered from the alleged scam.
The matter has been remanded to a later date as investigations continue and Bhachi is expected to return to court for further proceedings.
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