The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official and four clearing agents in connection with an alleged large-scale fraud and smuggling operation which defrauded the state of an undetermined amount of revenue.

Collins Chakamavinga, a ZIMRA official, and clearing agents Michael Makonye, Batsirai Mangoma, Zondai Bechayi, and Steven Masaraure are scheduled to appear before the Mutare Magistrates Court today.

The clearing agents represent Withyou Customs Clearing (Pvt) Ltd and Tayema Investments (Pvt) Ltd.

They are accused of colluding with ZIMRA Revenue Officers to make false customs declarations, facilitating the illicit entry of various goods into Zimbabwe via the Forbes Border Post.

The commission has confirmed the arrests detailing how the anti-graft body intercepted two trucks bearing Mozambican registration plates.

“ZACC intercepted two trucks with Mozambican registration, carrying and assortment of goods that has been declared as agricultural equipment.

“Investigations found that Chakamavinga and Hillary Chiwanba released the trucks without inspection or scanning. Even after the trucks had been flagged and redirected for re-searching, one truck was released again without examination, and the motive is under investigation.” Reads the ZACC statement.

Disturbingly, even after the trucks were flagged and redirected for re-searching, one of them was reportedly released again without examination.

The full extent of the financial loss incurred by the state due to this alleged scheme is still being determined as investigations continue.