Chinese mine director arrested for attempting to bribe ZRA officer during tax raid

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized over K3.7 million and US$3,091 in suspected undeclared income during an enforcement operation targeting four non-compliant mining companies in Kasempa District.

The operation, conducted by ZRA's Investigation Department, targeted Katenge Resources Ltd, Ken Reliable, Sunion Investment, and Sino Octascene as part of broader efforts to combat tax evasion and ensure compliance with tax laws.

During the raid, authorities arrested Huang Qingyi, a director of Sino Octascene, after he allegedly attempted to bribe a ZRA officer with K10,000 by placing the money in the officer's pocket to obstruct the investigation. The suspect was immediately handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The seized funds represent suspected undeclared income and unpaid taxes from the mining operations. ZRA emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to corruption and reiterated its commitment to enforcing tax compliance across all economic sectors, particularly in the mining industry.

The authority stated it will continue conducting enforcement activities to protect national resources from illicit mining practices and ensure proper tax collection. This operation demonstrates ZRA's ongoing efforts to safeguard government revenue and maintain integrity in tax administration throughout Zambia's mining sector.