DEC Arrests Tasila Lungu Mwansa on Money Laundering Charges

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has formally charged and arrested Mrs. Tasila Lungu Mwansa, the Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency, in connection with financial crimes. The arrest, which took place on February 11, 2025, involves allegations of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and money laundering.

According to a press statement issued by the DEC, Mrs. Mwansa has been charged under Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act of 2010 and Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, as amended in 2010.

The charges stem from allegations that between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2022, Mrs. Mwansa, acting jointly with unknown individuals, acquired and maintained ownership of Kumawa Ranch, a property located at F/2278 in Sinda District, Eastern Province. The ranch, valued at ZMW 8,840,098.00, was allegedly obtained under suspicious circumstances, with Mrs. Mwansa failing to provide a reasonable explanation for its acquisition.

Further allegations indicate that the property was used for business activities, including game rearing and farming, as part of money laundering efforts. Initially, the ranch was the subject of non-criminal forfeiture proceedings initiated by the state. However, following further investigations, the state has decided to proceed with criminal charges against Mrs. Mwansa.

The DEC has confirmed that Mrs. Mwansa has been released on police bond while awaiting the commencement of judicial proceedings. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to executing its mandate professionally and called on the public to continue reporting suspicious financial activities to aid in combating crime.

The announcement was made by Allan Tamba, Public Relations Officer for the Drug Enforcement Commission.