POLICE and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) have launched a fresh crackdown against illegal currency traders across the country.
Under the joint operation, scores of money changers were this week arrested, with most still under interrogation and vetting pending court appearances.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
“This is an ongoing joint operation being conducted by police and the RBZ’s Financial Intelligence Unit. People should engage in lawful transactions and we are targeting those who are illegally trading in foreign currency and businesspeople transacting using exchange rates which are above the official rate,” he said.
He said they were also targeting money changers operating under the guise of selling airtime.
“We also have some supermarkets, pharmacies and small businesses which are also using exorbitant rates when transacting.
“Certainly, action will be taken against all those involved in such activities or anyone using social media to illegally trade in foreign currency,” Comm Nyathi said.
Police appealed for the public to report illegal money changers to the National Complaints Desk on telephone number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
-Herald
