Investigations into the E-Creator Ponzi scheme, which reportedly defrauded thousands of Zimbabweans of over US$1 million, have been completed.
As reported by H-Metro, prosecutor Tambudzai Masamvi told Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa that the investigations have finally been completed and they are ready to furnish the suspects with a trial date.
According to court papers, sometime in January 2023, Zhao created an online investment Ponzi scheme called e-Creator.
On February 7 2021 and in connivance with Tapfumaneyi, Kuchekenya, Bily Thomas Syedou, Abraham Mutambu, Jiatong allegedly registered a company with the Zimbabwean Registrar of Companies named E-Creator Electronic Commerce Private Limited.
The company had its offices situated at rooms 15 and 16 10 Floor Joina City Building, Harare.
The court heard Zimbabweans across the country invested up to US$1 million into the company through various Ecocash numbers supplied on the platform by the accused.
The suspected fraudsters also allegedly employed various agents in major towns and cities throughout the country to market the business.
It is further alleged that on July 3 2023 some of the complaints encountered challenges in accessing their funds and approached the company for clarifications.
One of the accused persons, Abraham Mutambu assured these complainants that it was a system upgrade that was preventing them from accessing the funds.
The court heard Mutambu further advised them that the situation would normalise in due course.
On July 5 2023 complainants were shocked to realise that E-Creator Electronic Commerce Private) Limited had sent a notice on their website that they are no longer operating.
The company also posted the passport photo of the accused Zhao Jiatong as the one who had taken their money and absconded to China.
The court heard that the complainants also visited the accused’s known offices and saw that they had been permanently closed and there were no signs of business operations.
They received information that the accused person had withdrawn the money and fled.
As a result of the accused’s actions, complainants suffered an actual prejudice of US$1 000 000 and nothing was recovered.
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