The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched efforts to seize assets linked to Malawi’s largest recent public sector fraud, focusing on properties believed to be connected to the K36.7 billion Greenbelt Authority (GBA) scandal.
Acting ACB Director General Gabriel Chembezi announced on Friday that the bureau will pursue civil asset forfeiture against individuals and companies involved in questionable GBA contracts, even as criminal cases continue.
All 11 suspects including senior GBA officials and private contractors have been formally charged and granted bail.
Among them are GBA Chief Executive Officer Eric Chidzungu, Director of Irrigation Operations Chisomo Kumbuyo, Finance Director Linda Phiri, and other top staff.
Private sector figures implicated include Innocent Kawinuwinu of Kabiki and Partners Engineering Services; Stanley Bakolo and Victor Chabwera of PLMB Engineering Investment; Ephrone Mwenitete of EMD Consulting Engineers; and Kenneth Khonje of Einstein Construction Limited.
Investigations indicate that GBA awarded contracts and released K36.7 billion under suspicious circumstances.
Funds intended for constructing and rehabilitating four major irrigation schemes Nthola Ilora (Karonga), Lweya (Nkhata-Bay), Mlambe (Mangochi), and Nchalo (Chikwawa) were allegedly misappropriated, partly used for political campaigns, with some officials reportedly receiving kickbacks.
“These suspects have been charged, and the law permits the bureau to recover assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, emphasizing that civil asset forfeiture is a key tool for reclaiming wealth derived from alleged criminal activity even before criminal trials conclude”. Said Chembezi .
The scandal, first reported on November 10, 2025, has undermined public confidence and exposed weaknesses in managing funds intended to support Malawi’s agriculture and food security.
“The people of Malawi expect that resources allocated for national development benefit the intended recipients,” Chembezi stated, reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to recover misappropriated funds and restore public trust.
