Police arrest former president’s son, wife for money laundering

Zambian police have arrested the son and daughter-in-law of the former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, on suspicion of money laundering and in possession of items thought to be the proceeds of crime totaling more than $5 million.

According to police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, who spoke with Voice of America on Tuesday, said Dalitso Lungu and his wife, Matildah, have been arrested in their capacity as directors of Saloid Traders Limited.

He claimed that they are allegedly in possession of 69 cars and other items that are thought to represent the profits of crime.

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Hamoonga who outlined the charges said, “Police have arrested and charged Dalitso, aged 36, and Matilda Likando Milinga, aged 36, for the offense of possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act of 2010. Dalitso Lungu has also been arrested and charged with the offense of money laundering. The duo has since been released from police custody and will appear in court soon,” said Hamoonga.

The arrests come a week after Zambian authorities announced the seizure of some 20 properties linked to Dalitso, former President Lungu’s wife, Esther, and daughter Tasila.