Former Zimra Employee Masterminds Massive Fake Rebate Letter Scam, Faces Asset Forfeiture

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

Yvonne Tambudzai Musoni, a former Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) employee, is at the center of a massive fraud scheme involving fake vehicle import tax rebate letters. Musoni allegedly hacked her boss’ electronic signature and used it to approve the importation of vehicles under a civil servants rebate scheme, resulting in a massive loss of revenue for Zimra.

Musoni masterminded the issuance of over 400 fake rebate letters, with 186 not registered at the Harare port. This sophisticated scam involved Musoni using forged documents, misrepresenting facts, and engaging in money laundering. The fake rebate letters allowed individuals to import vehicles duty-free, resulting in a prejudice of US$621,742 and ZWL142,669,605 in unpaid excise duty.

The scheme was meant to benefit civil servants who had served for 10 years, but many beneficiaries did not qualify. Instead, Musoni allegedly sold the fake rebate letters to individuals, including those who did not meet the eligibility criteria. The fraud occurred between January 2022 and March 2023, with Musoni allegedly using her position to perpetuate the scam over a period of 14 months.

The scam was perpetrated at the Zimra Harare office, with vehicles being imported into Zimbabwe through various border posts. The investigation has revealed that Musoni’s actions were not limited to Harare, with vehicles being imported through other ports of entry as well. Musoni allegedly derived financial benefits from the scheme, including bribes from accomplices, leading to a property freezing order against her assets.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) launched an investigation into the scam, which led to the discovery of the fake rebate letters. Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo has filed an application to seize and forfeit vehicles imported through the scam. Musoni, her husband Melusi Paul Musoni, and a family trust face potential losses of their assets, including an upmarket house, vehicles, and credit balances in fees accounts of two private schools.

The case has raised concerns about corruption and accountability within public institutions. Zimra has faced criticism for its internal controls, which allowed the scam to go undetected for an extended period. Justice Matanda-Moyo emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that false addresses given by respondents raised concerns and may lead to further action.

The fraudulent activities masterminded by Musoni have resulted in significant financial losses for Zimra and the Government. The seizure and forfeiture of fraudulently imported vehicles are being sought, and Musoni, her husband, and a family trust face potential losses of their assets. The case highlights the need for vigilance and accountability in public institutions to prevent such grand-scale fraud.