Thriller – the 57-page sanctions busting case

The 57-page criminal complaint against two Chicago men alleged to have tried to help President Robert Mugabe and central bank governor Gideon Gono to lobby against United States sanctions on Zimbabwe reads like a thriller.

Apart from the accused Prince Asiel Ben Israel and Gregory Turner, both United States citizens, most of the other key players, both from the United States and Zimbabwe are not named. But it is not difficult to finger them out as their titles or job positions are spelt out.

The thriller involves senators, representatives, ambassadors, company executives and Marange diamonds. Even deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe is mentioned by name.

It appears though that the deal was scuttled by Gono when he refused to pay. The parties had agreed on a fee of $3.4 million to be paid in four instalments with the initial payment being $90 000. This money was intercepted.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has, however emphasised that Israel and Turner are still innocent until proven guilty.

Here is the 57-page criminal complaint.

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