Pakistani escapes Malawi harsh prison sentence, pay fine for illegal forex

A Pakistani national who was convicted by Blantyre Magistrate Court for illegal possession of foreign currency amounting to $269 970 (about K154 million at the current exchange rate) has walked free from court after paying a fine of K950 000 to escape harsh Malawi prison sentence.

Muhammad Jawad, 24, who faced charges of money laundering, illegal possession of foreign currency and attempted transfer of the same outside the country, pleaded not guilty to money laundering, but pleaded guilty to illegal possession and  attempting to transfer  forex illegally out of the country.

The Pakistani came to Malawi in 2009 and owns Pick and Buy Shop in Manja Township, Blantyre.

Jawad on August 11 this year intended to travel to Dubai, but upon being searched at Chileka International Airport, was found with $269 970 concealed in his travelling bag, the court heard

Senior resident magistrate Esther  Bodole went on to fine the convict K100 000 or in default serve eight months in prison with hard labour (IHL) .

The court further ordered forfeiture of the money to government.