HARARE – Lloyd Chiyangwa, a 31-year-old man from Harare, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei on Friday, facing fresh money laundering charges after allegedly defrauding eye surgeon Dr Solomon Guramatunhu of over half a million US dollars.
The state alleges that Chiyangwa converted the cryptocurrency into cash and embarked on a spending spree, funding a lavish lifestyle that included the purchase of vehicles and real estate.
According to the prosecution, Chiyangwa acquired a Toyota Allex (registration AET 7666), a Mitsubishi ASX (registration AFG 6687), and a Toyota Runx (registration AFI 1949).
Furthermore, he allegedly purchased three immovable properties, which he registered under the names of other individuals in an attempt to conceal the illicit origins of the funds.
Prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi, representing the State, informed the court that the alleged theft was uncovered by Dr Guramatunhu, who subsequently reported the matter to the police.
Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities have yet to recover any of the stolen funds. The case is being handled by the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit Northern Region under references DR 30/04/24, Harare Central CR 47/04/24, Harare Magistrates Court CRB R939/23, and Hrep 608/24.
Chiyangwa, who is currently on remand for other similar cases involving cryptocurrency, has been remanded in custody. He is expected to return to court today for a bail hearing.
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