A Chinese private security company has been shut down in Beira, Mozambique, following allegations of money laundering. The owner of Panda Security, Jiye Zhuo, is accused by the attorney general’s office (PGR) of defrauding the state of around $13 million through tax evasion.
Another one of Zhuo’s businesses, Thian Hai petrol station, was also closed by authorities on similar allegations two months prior. The PGR suspects Zhuo of additional crimes, such as financing terrorism, forging documents, participating in a conspiracy, and committing environmental offenses. Zhuo has not yet commented on these allegations.
The recent closure has prompted over 3,000 employees of Panda Security to protest, demanding two months of overdue pay.
However, their chances of receiving payment are low, as Zhuo’s whereabouts are unknown.
A PGR representative has assured journalists that “The administration of justice is gathering evidence to hold him, his associates and all those who contributed to his various crimes, accountable.”