A 39-year-old Nigerian woman was on Monday arrested at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) for allegedly attempting to externalise foreign exchange amounting to $26 150 (about K15 million).
KIA Police spokesperson Sapulain Chitonde-Lee said in an interview the Nigerian, identified as Emanuella Ifeoma, was arrested in the departure lounge after a security check.
“Our officer, Sub-Inspector Regina Mbukwa, found over $6 000 in the suspect’s handbag and a further $20 000 was found when she was taken to the CID [Criminal Investigations Department] office for a further search,” said Chitonde-Lee.
He said Ifeoma, who was later released on bail, faces two charges of illegal possession of foreign currency and transferring the same out of the country.
Ifeoma was with her two children during the incident and was scheduled to travel to Lagos via Addis Ababa using an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Possession of foreign currency without supporting documents is contrary to Section 11(1) of the Exchange Control Act.
