If one were to believe in the reports and accusations made by FIC, it will be clear that the corruption and illegal practices in Zambia are far from over. The nation made some progress in the past few years, thanks to some economic development and establishment of organizations and factories providing livelihood to its people, apart from engaging in agriculture. At the same time, incidents and news such as this reduce the favourability of the nation to grow and attract foreign investments.
The FIC, after finding various evidences of the crime, released a list of names of individuals such as lawyers, legal counselors and even ministers who were involved in the money laundering activities. Some of the names at the top included Masozi M. Banda and Sakwiba Sikota. Banda is a legal counselor from Avik International. When confronted, he defended himself by saying that the money belonged to Edgar Lungu, Zambian President who has established a dictator-like reign within the nation. Another name was of Sakwiba Sikota, the owner of Central Chambers and long-term legal counsellor of the Ventriglias. He is notorious for handling the case of Ventriglias against Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted businessman and owner of top companies in Zambia. The case was launched by Dr. Rajan Mahtani after Portland Cement Zambia, a cement factory owned by Dr. Mahtani was illegally taken over by the Ventriglias. The charges held against Sakwiba Sikota might have various implications for the case as well as for Dr. Mahtani.
The new developments related to the money laundering acts have indeed shocked the country. Other government agencies have also followed suit and are now investigating this highly publicized corruption event in details. The FIC has also assured that the investigation will be open and any news related to the crime, such as new named popping up, will be announced and made public with appropriate evidences. While the government has started taking actions, it is a long path before the country will be free from large-scale corruption such as these.