A court decision has led to the closure of seven fuel sales establishments (pumps) and 18 forestry companies on suspicion of money laundering. All the businesses belong to a Chinese businessman who has been on the run for two years. 

One of the companies that illegally exploited forest resources collected more than 1.6 billion meticais without paying taxes. In fact, proceedings are underway against a citizen of Chinese origin with business connections in the provinces of Maputo and Sofala, reports the Mozambique Television. A wood sawmill, a wood preservation plant and a sesame processing plant in Mafambisse were seized.

A company set up by a Chinese citizen exported more than 100,000 cubic meters of wood to China between 2017 and 2018. In the same year, another company based in the city of Beira exported various types of wood to China, valued at 74.5 million meticais, without declaring the sales. The two companies failed to pay 32% of Corporate Income Tax (IRPC).

The authorities have ordered the closure of seven pumps, five in Sofala province and two in Maputo province (one in Katembe and the other in Manhiça).

The seizures include 12 properties, 10 vehicles (eight trucks and two cars) and two excavators.