A sophisticated gold smuggling ring led by Chinese national Zuo Wenzhong and Australian businessman Moham Karim has been uncovered, allegedly diverting over 120kg of gold (valued at US$10 million) from Zimbabwe’s Silobela gold belt into the black market, authorities confirmed.
The syndicate, operating through Podhill (Pvt) Ltd, grossly underdeclared its gold exports. Records show the company reported less than 4kg to authorities in 2024, while internal ledgers reveal thousands of kilograms processed monthly. The illicit gold was smuggled to Dubai and China, bypassing Zimbabwe’s regulatory oversight.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Minerals and Border Control Unit is probing Podhill, Generous Resources, and Milhub. “Financial documents and private sales confirm the diversion,” a source revealed. Zuo, alongside accomplices He Huayang, Duan Yuanbin, and Taleb, orchestrated the operation.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines has vowed to tighten export controls. “No one is above the law. We’ll prosecute to the fullest,” a spokesperson said.
The scam deprives the nation of critical revenue. “This hurts our economy and trust in the system,” lamented a local miner.
Police urge whistleblowers to come forward. The accused face charges of money laundering and theft of state resources.
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