A 76-year-old Harare woman has appeared in court facing charges of illegally externalising over US$4 million and money laundering, in a case highlighting Zimbabwe’s strict foreign exchange controls.
Maud Patricia Liddell appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo on charges of externalisation and contravening the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act. She was granted US$500 bail, and the matter was remanded to 23 April 2025. Liddell is represented by lawyer Arshiel Mugiya. The State, represented by Detective Sergeant Tsanyawo of the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit (Northern Region), is prosecuting the case.
The State alleges that between March and May 2025, Liddell sold a property in Harare—Westend Properties, Stand 2057A in Salisbury Township, measuring 2,975 square metres—for US$4,300,000. It is further alleged she subsequently transferred US$4,085,000 out of Zimbabwe without obtaining the mandatory authorisation from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). Under Zimbabwe’s Exchange Control Act, such large foreign currency transfers require prior RBZ approval.
Liddell is also accused of concealing or disguising the nature, source, and movement of the funds derived from the property sale, which constitutes the predicate offence for the money laundering charge. Detectives from the CID Asset Forfeiture Unit arrested her on 21 March 2026 following a tip-off. The total value of funds prejudiced is US$4,085,000, and the State reports that no recoveries have been made to date.
The case underscores the authorities’ ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with foreign exchange regulations and combat financial crimes. The RBZ’s authorisation requirement is a key control mechanism aimed at stabilising the local currency and preventing capital flight. Liddell’s next court appearance will determine further proceedings in a matter that could set a precedent for the enforcement of anti-money laundering and exchange control laws in Zimbabwe.
