Email Scam Diverts RBZ Exhibition Funds, Trio Charged

Three suspects in Bulawayo have been charged with fraud and money laundering after diverting US$34,500 from RBZ’s Harare Agricultural Show (image source)

Three individuals have appeared before the Bulawayo Regional Court on charges of fraud and money laundering after allegedly stealing US$34,500 earmarked for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) exhibition stand at the Harare Agricultural Show.

The accused — Rubbie Chinanai (54), Ashel Chinanai (35), both of Cowdray Park, and Tichawanda Kevin Chinyande (31) of Southview, Harare — are accused of hacking into the email system of Kutting Edge Events, the RBZ’s contracted exhibition builder, and altering banking details to redirect payments.

“The accused acted with accomplices still at large and manipulated email communications to mislead RBZ into depositing funds into personal accounts,” said a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).

According to court documents, RBZ was to pay Kutting Edge Events in two instalments. On August 28, 2025, the bank unknowingly transferred US$17,250 to Rubbie Chinanai’s Stanbic Bank account. A second payment of the same amount followed on September 2. Investigations revealed that the funds were quickly laundered through multiple accounts. Rubbie allegedly transferred money to Ashel’s NMB account, while US$6,500 was sent via Mukuru to a South African contact, Richard Nyadongo. Ashel received a US$250 commission for facilitating the transfer.

Further, Ashel withdrew US$6,500 and deposited it into Chinyande’s ZB Bank account under instructions from another suspect, Anold Kasasa, who remains at large. The court granted bail under strict conditions. Each accused must deposit US$150 as recognisance, report weekly to ZRP Bulawayo Central, and refrain from contacting witnesses. Chinyande was also ordered to surrender his passport. The case has been remanded to September 30, 2025.

Zimbabwe has seen a rise in cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly targeting government and corporate procurement systems. Experts warn that email spoofing and phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, often exploiting weak cybersecurity protocols.

“This case highlights the urgent need for digital security reforms in public procurement,” said IT analyst Tapiwa Mudzviti.

The RBZ has not issued a public statement but is expected to review its vendor verification procedures.