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GoldMafia 4 Implications
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- Written by: ZHRO, ZEMeta, Z-exit, Take2Zimbabwe and Al Jazeera
- Category: ZEXIT
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Contents
- Clean Gold? There’s no such thing.
- The Currency of Money Launderers.
- ‘Gold Mafia is Bigger than the government’ {of Zimbabwe}.
- ‘Always have the King with You’
- Dubai, the El Dorado for Gold Smugglers.
- Banks and Bribes.
- USA and Anti-Money Laundering {AML} Consequences.
- Conclusions.
- Citizens Reactions and Comments.
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The 6 key takeaways from the Al Jazeera Investigations, the USA imposition of KYC {Know Your Customer} for their AML {Anti-Money Laundering} Legislation regarding the ‘sanctity’ of the US Dollar and its usage overseas. |
14th April 2023
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Here are six key takeaways from #GoldMafia
Clean Gold? There’s no such thing
No matter where you buy your gold and regardless of the country’s stamp on it, the very nature of the gold trade makes it extremely difficult to guarantee where it originated from.
The investigation showed how gold smuggled from Zimbabwe makes its way to Dubai and, according to experts in money laundering and illicit trade, is then exported to other major gold hubs like Switzerland and London.
These transfers are possible because gold is melted and refined repeatedly, a process that obfuscates all traces of its origin, making it particularly difficult for law enforcement agencies to build evidence against suspected smugglers.
This also means it is hard to be certain if gold purchased on the open market is ethically and legally clean or whether it is free of laundering and crime. A watch might have been made with gold from a conflict region, or a bar of gold may have been mixed with smuggled gold.
Amjad Rihan, a former partner at the consulting firm Ernst & Young, was responsible for auditing Dubai-based Kaloti a decade ago when it was one of the largest gold refineries in the world. He was blunt in his assessment. “Gold that comes to refiners, once it’s refined, it’s practically brand new gold,” he told Al Jazeera.
Zanu PF Fools Day
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
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Lovingly entitled, "Zanu PF Fool's Day"; the 1st April 2023 at the Zimbabwe Embassy was the initiation of the campaign to expose the criminality at the heart of the Zanu PF regime. The Zanu PF regime has held Zimbabwe, as a nation "hostage" for far too long - 43 years this April 18th in fact. [Full image log on ZHRO Flickr CLICK HERE ]
Those brave few present, coming from as far away as Manchester, Coventry, Northampton, Gosport and Littlehampton, were there to "represent" all Zimbabweans who have been utterly disenfranchised by the Zanu PF regime back in Zimbabwe. That's not to say that many more within the UK diaspora should have been present - and the 18th April 2023 Demonstration {at the Embassy} and Petition {to 10 Downing Street, home of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak} will prove the depth for feeling personified by #GoldMafia and other criminality by the regime.
The numbers attending will always be a big factor when presenting a proposal and petition to the British - they are very much 'swayed' by the numbers - as they perceive "Voter Recognition" of an event or situation, that must be acted upon. The same is very true for pushing for democratic and humanitarian action to be promoted by the British within their sphere of influence, at both the UK Embassy in Harare AND on the International Stage. Here in the United Kingdom the Zimbabwean Diaspora has huge potential to assist those trapped by the regime in Zimbabwe. It is up to the diaspora to stand up and be counter {as the expression goes} and in this case literally too!
In November 2017 - the 18th November in fact: CLICK HERE to remember that day, the Hopes and Dreams for a Democratic Zimbabwe were Born - but now those dreams are left in tatters, as the nightmare began on that day inside the regimes psychotic imagination. Fast forward to March 2023 and the pre-launch of the Gold Mafia {at that time without a title - but certainly about corruption} many were apprehensive, most about an expose, but within the regime -'concern'.
The Next 4 Months
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
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He is the face of the opposition to the ruling party in Zimbabwe. Mukomana in Shona or the young man is Nelson Chamina. The 45-year-old lawyer leads the Coalition for Change party.
In four months, Zimbabweans will vote in presidential and legislative elections. Chamisa is ready for a 'tough' campaign. "It's going to be a rough campaign, hard hat equipment is necessary," said Chamisa in his office in the centre of the capital, Harare. "It's quite a hostile environment, we need to be equipped for it." Four months before the next election in Zimbabwe, many avoid uttering the name "Nelson Chamisa" in public when talking about the main rival to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The southern African country is more and more like a "dictatorship", the 45-year-old lawyer told AFP. His Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) party is bracing for a "rough" presidential and legislative election campaign against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The advent of the Al Jazeera 4 part series, exposing the #GoldMafia at the evil heart of the Zanu PF regime - who have hi-jacked Zimbabwe for the past 43 years has polarised the electorate. See all 4 episodes at the links below
- Part One released 23rd March 2023 {View part 1 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Two released 30th March 2023 {View part 2 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Three released 6th April 2023 {View part 3 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Four released 14th April 2023 {View part 4 of 4 here at this link}
The man who is known as "the Crocodile" was chosen in October 2022 as the Zanu-PF candidate.
A date has yet to be set for the votes, which are expected to be early in August. But the odds are stacked up against the opposition. An electoral process littered with 'manipulation' Sitting in a leather armchair much larger than him, Chamisa puts up a determined and combative face. But he admitted that his room to manoeuvre is narrowing in the face of a regime he described as a corrupt dictatorship. Zimbabwe's electoral process has "always attracted controversy" and is "littered with rigging, manipulation", he said. Typically the ruling Zanu-PF -- which has been in power since independence in 1980 -- distributes land or food aid to rural communities that vote for it to ensure continued loyalty, Chamisa claimed. And in towns, mostly controlled by the opposition, Zanu-PF uses "all sorts of strategies" to discredit local municipalities as is "typical of tyrannies and dictatorships all around the world", Chamisa added. "It's the DNA of Zanu-PF, they don't believe in service delivery, in performance, in accountability and responsibility," he claimed. Intimidation tactics But Chamisa is "determined to win against all odds" despite coming under criticism, including from within his own camp.
"We've had over 63 of our meetings cancelled over the past week," said Chamisa, adding that hundreds of others have been obstructed by police or by Zanu-PF supporters in recent months. The government strenuously deny the allegations, with Mnangagwa saying earlier this month that Zimbabwe is a democracy that has held elections without fail over the past four decades. "The contest is open to everyone," said Mnangagwa, adding "the more we have people who want to become president, the merrier it is."
The CCC, however, is absent from state media. "I have not appeared on state media, radio or newspaper for the past seven years," said Chamisa, since the coup that ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe in 2017 in favour of Mnangagwa. "I only appear when they are saying something on my behalf, but they don't give me an opportunity to say... my side of the story". Chamisa was a target of what he calls an assassination plot in 2021 when shots were fired at his convoy. A bullet ripped through the left rear seat of his car where he normally sits. "I'm lucky to be alive," he said. A senior and outspoken CCC lawmaker, Job Sikhala, has been in prison for nine months without trial for allegedly inciting violence. His numerous applications for bail have been refused. Two other members of parliament were arrested in January, along with two dozen people who were at a meeting at a private house. The "persecution continues", Chamisa said.
Zexit History
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: History of Independence
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Historical Context
"As Zimbabwe celebrates its Independence Day this Tuesday {18th April 2023 2024}, the Zimbabwe annual holiday will come with an added layer of meaning". This marks 43 44 years since the achievement of 'hard-fought' nationhood. British Crown rule in Zimbabwe dated all the way back to 1896, but by the 1960s it was ended, thanks to the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line. Zimbabwe Independence Day Zimbabweans will never forget that on 11 November 1965 the Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) Prime Minister Ian Smith had made a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from Britain declaring that: “I don’t believe in black majority rule ever in Rhodesia in a thousand years.”
But now in 2023 2024 it's all gone horribly wrong; the efforts of those in the past, up until 1980 have not only been squandered, but they have been evicerated! "Gold Mafia", is a mere consequence of the level of depravity the Zanu PF regime has sunk to. But let's continue with the HISTORY, below to contrast then and now.
Now its the 15th November 2024, another Independence day is coming (for 45 years of failure, corruption and violence). But now Zanu PF wants to be part of the Commonwealth {again} AND EDM wants REPARATIONS! At this moment he is swanning around at COP29 with over 281 'hangers-on {laundering cash and Au out of Zimbabwe one suspects} on his Private Jet - playing the Perfect Despotic Dictator!
COP29 Baku, Azerbaijan: 44 in the Zimbabwe 'Party' plus 238 "OVERFLOW" (??) makes total 282 people wasting tax payers money!
But Mnangagwa is still trying to change the constitution, #GoldMafia is still ongoing, the sewage systems are broken and overflowing {due to 44 years of neglect and failure to update}, the water supply is now "tainted" {causing Cholera and Typhoid}, Rolling Power cuts due to incompetence in ZESA and the roads are 'difficult'. Too many opposition activist are illegally being held in Jail - AND the Zig is ZAGGED!
THERE IS NO COMPETENT GOVERNMENT in Zimbabwe - JUST PLACEHOLDERS
Ian Smith was no saint
United Nations backed sanctions were then imposed on the Ian Smith government making it difficult for him to source military equipment and hardware.
This made his regime more vulnerable although they would occasionally use the then apartheid South Africa as a proxy to acquire modern military equipment. It was clear then that, despite the many grand statements made to the contrary over the years, the system would not endure forever. Genuine freedom fighters, led by veterans of the struggle like the late Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), the late Joshua Nkomo, the late Josiah Tongogara, Robert Mugabe and the late Nikita Mangena among others, had become convinced that the Ian Smith-led Rhodesia government would never willingly give the country even partial self-rule, and began a struggle known as the Second Chimurenga (War) with seven Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) freedom fighters taking up arms against the colonizers on 28 April 1966. Sadly, all seven were killed by the police.
...But Mugabe and now Mnangagwa!
The end of British colonial rule in 1980 marked the creation of Zimbabwe. Independence Day, on 18 April, is celebrated widely with flags hoisted in schools and colleges, and at government buildings and major landmarks. The nation celebrates its 43th year with numerous events in Zimbabwe and all around the world. On 18 April, flags fly high and the concerts and parades takes place throughout the country, the main festivities takes place at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiating. Zimbabwe Independence Day One of the leaders of the Patriotic Front in Rhodesia, Joshua Nkomo – While the 43 years forms the perfect opportunity for a great party, being that it is the first without former president Robert Mugabe who was forced to resign after a coup and impeachment proceedings. It’s also an occasion for contemplation and insight.
Zimbabwe’s 43th year of independence offers a chance for people to look back to understand the way the nation emerged, but also to gaze ahead to the future to see what Zimbabwe can still become. It is important to remember that on the eve of independence in 1980, Robert Mugabe, about to become the first Prime Minister in a democratic Zimbabwe delivered his speech at Rufaro Stadium in Harare that was witnessed by other world leaders and political leaders including Prince Charles who was personally on hand to lower the British (Union Jack) flag whilst the new Zimbabwean flag was hoisted. On the eve of Independence Day in 1980, Mugabe in his speech noted that: “The final countdown before the launching of the new State of Zimbabwe has now begun.” This holds true today. “Only a few hours from now, Zimbabwe will have become a free, independent and sovereign state, free to choose its own flight path and chart its own course to its chosen destiny.
Its people have made a democratic choice of those who as their legitimate Government, they wish to govern them and take policy decisions as to their future,” he said. In today’s case, the country is free to charter a new course without him on the helm as we have become accustomed to in the past 42 44 years. Zimbabwe Independence Day Robert Mugabe – link “The march to our national independence has been hazardous one. On this march, countless lives have been lost and many sacrifices made. Death and suffering has been the prize we have been called upon to pay for the final priceless reward of freedom and national independence. May l thank all of you who have had to suffer and sacrifice for the reward we are now getting”, he continued. Mugabe aptly continued and said: “Tomorrow is thus our birthday, the birth of a great Zimbabwe, and the birth of its nation. Tomorrow we shall cease to be men and women of the future.
It’s tomorrow then, not yesterday, which bears our destiny. As we become a new people (without the rule of Robert Mugabe) we are called to be constructive, progressive and forever forward looking for we cannot afford to be men of yesterday, backward looking, retrogressive and destructive. Our new nation requires of every one of us to be a new man, with a new mind, a new heart and a new vision and our hearts a new love that spurns hate and a new spirit that must unite and not divide.” Yes, Zimbabwe’s removal of Mugabe in 2017 was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for renewed freedom has already been a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom and democracy fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
But we must not forget that there is a long road ahead with poverty and with employment hovering over 95 percent, both endemic. Cash shortages, a galloping domestic debt of US$6 billion, paralyzed health care, education, and road networks all need require urgent attention. The lives of many Zimbabweans mainly depend on agriculture, so there is need to return to the highly efficient and labor-intensive use of land to restore production of maize, wheat, tobacco and gold and other minerals. This will increase job opportunities in rural areas, and also increase export receipts. As Mugabe said, “tomorrow is thus our birthday, the birth of a great Zimbabwe, and the birth of its nation.”
It certainly has all gone horribly wrong. Mnangagwa has presided over the steep decline in all aspects of Zimbabwe, the economy, the infrastructure, the currency, their international reputation! Only the cynical propaganda has kept the regime in a {favourable??} light - but now the internal squabbles have emerged. Zanu PF is not a political party, it is a fungus, a virus, consuming the patient {Zimbabwe} - this fungus, however is plagued by factions, uncertailty, but most, is the greed and averice for power. For power without, consequence - without the honour of being "elected". The 2018 Elections were a sham - a device to maintain a stranglehold {litterally} upon the ever suffering population.
...and the 2023 elections were a lesson in election rigging and gerrymandering See Here
It cannot continue. Zanu PF MUST GO!
Gold Mafia OUT
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- Written by: John Burke, Take2Zimbabwe and Zim Vigil
- Category: ZEXIT
- Hits: 1407
As ZHRO/Zexit/Take2Zimbabwe/ZEMeta and CCC-Diaspora, we have added all four parts of this damning exposition regarding money laundering to the extent of USD $1 billion and Gold Smuggling by the creation of a link to the ZHRO YouTube Platform called "ZHRO - Crime Report" CLICK HERE
We are now planning demonstrations, further petitions and other campaigns to bring the crimes of the Zanu PF 'regime' in Zimbabwe to the greater public attention, for the express benefit of the Nation and Citizens of Zimbabwe.
- Part One released 23rd March 2023 {View part 1 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Two released 30th March 2023 {View part 2 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Three released 6th April 2023 {View part 3 of 4 here at this link}
- Part Four released 14th April 2023 {View part 4 of 4 here at this link}
Background: It mainly started in 2021, however endemic corruption and ruthless exploitation of the wealth of the natural resources of Zimbabwe has been going on for DECADES! Probably back to the {So Called} Independence on 18th April 1980!
However in 2021 the new President {after a military coup to replace Mugabe in 2017 and a rigged election in 2018 and European Union Assessment of the 2018 Elections}, was slated to visit the United Kingdom {under the auspices of the United Nations} for the Climate conference COP26 - Oct-Nov 2021. As ZHRO, ZAPU, ROHR and the then MDC(A) {now re-branded as CCC} we took our demonstration, firstly to the door of 10 Downing Street with a petition to {Boris Johnson} and also to the COP26 conference itself in Glasgow on the 1st and 2nd November 2021.
Even then we {ZHRO and VUKA} had created the banner stating "ZANU PF MUST GO" and ROHR had created "The Face Behind- Corruption etc" We all knew that Zimbabwe was being {and had been} plundered for her natural resources - for the exclusive benefit to the Zanu PF "elite" - including the arch criminal President Mnangagwa himself READ OUR OCTOBER 2021 PETITION HERE - we did not want Mnangagwa to enter the United Kingdom under any circumstances.
We had reminded the UK Government, that Mnangagwa was head of security under the 1983-87 Gukhurundi genocide {petition in July 2018 for that issue} and as the "Chief Strategist" as named by the Untied Nations in their 2002 report regarding the wholesale looting of diamonds from the DR Congo! It's not as if this was all news to the British Government.
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