Chinese national charged with customs fraud

Chinese businesswoman Li Song has been charged with fraud after allegedly evading paying customs duty totalling $40 000 after importing chemicals into Zimbabwe. New Zimbabwe reports that he appeared before Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi and was not asked to plead. Song was also ordered to report to the police every fortnight and not to interfere with witnesses until her matter is finalised. The complainant is Francesco Marconati, who is the former managing director of DGL 9 Investments and DGL 5 Investment. Song allegedly made an application to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) for rebates to import sodium cyanide and hydrated lime. The application was approved by Zimra station manager Bulawayo Port for consignments of sodium cyanide using the name DGL 9 Investments and copied to Mukuku. ‘The consignments of the chemicals were imported from Mauritius to Zimbabwe under DGL 9 Investments with the assistance of Mukuku thereby deceiving Zimra,’ said prosecutor Thomas Chanakira. Song was granted on $300 bail and warned to appear again on 27 June.