THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has successfully thwarted a significant ethanol smuggling operation at Bruhati Industries Limited in Ndola.
Their swift action prevented a potential loss of K1 million in revenue for the national treasury.
According to a statement issued by Authority’s Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala, this operation began with the surveillance and interception of a truck operated by Zampak Energy Company Limited.
“This operation prevented the loss of K1,031,039 million in revenue from 38,000 liters of illicitly transported ethanol,” Nzala said.
“During a detailed search of the premises, ZRA officials discovered equipment recently used for unloading and processing the smuggled ethanol, alongside various documents and electronic devices that exposed a complex network potentially involving multiple companies in smuggling activities.”
Further investigations at Bruhati Industries revealed a more extensive smuggling scheme.
Officials discovered equipment for processing smuggled ethanol, along with documents hinting at a complex network involving multiple companies.
Evidence suggests Bruhati Industries has been receiving unreported deliveries of ethanol, ranging from 35,000 to 40,000 liters each.
These findings point to a larger pattern of tax evasion, with estimates suggesting Bruhati avoided paying K6,453,327.20 in excise duty and VAT.
ZRA has sealed the Bruhati Industries premises and is conducting a thorough investigation to hold all parties accountable.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April, 26, 2024
