Zambian authorities have intercepted two Chinese nationals residing in Harare, Zimbabwe, with 29.9 kilograms of gold and $200,000 in cash concealed within the door panels of their vehicle. The gold, valued at approximately $2.3 million, was seized in what appears to be the latest incident of cross-border gold smuggling.
The suspects, Zhao Changson, 58, and Zhao Yanjing, 46, were driving a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado registered in Zimbabwe. According to Zambia’s Inspector-General of Police, Graphel Musamba, the vehicle was stopped on August 12, 2024, following a tip-off that it might be transporting precious stones.
“The search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the gold and cash hidden in the door panels. Both suspects denied knowledge of the items,” Musamba stated in a press release.
Yanjing, the passenger, claimed that she had purchased the vehicle just two weeks prior and was unaware of the hidden contents. The pair, who are reportedly involved in selling fencing wire in Zimbabwe, claimed they were in Zambia to visit an unnamed friend.
The gold and cash have been secured as evidence while investigations continue.
