Bugatti seized in Zambia over possible money laundering

The authorities in Zambia have seized a Bugatti Veyron that was imported into the country on Monday, pending investigations into possible money laundering.

“The vehicle has since been seized as investigations are being conducted," Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission said in a statement.

The state's investigative wing said that it had received "numerous concerns" from the public.

“Following the concerns raised, the commission is making follow ups to ensure that the purchase of the motor vehicle is not in breach of any money laundering laws," the statement said.

Since the car’s arrival on Monday, Bugatti has been the top trending topic on Twitter in Zambia with people commenting about and sharing pictures of the luxury car.

Reports say it is the first ever of its brand in the country.

The owner of the rare Bugatti, a Veyron, is not known, although industry experts estimate that it costs between $2m and $3m (£1.5m and £2.3m).

The car's seizure has not gone down well on Twitter with some Zambians arguing that other stories of possible corruption and money laundering activities by government officials have not been investigated.

The spokesperson of the Zambia Revenue Authority had told the BBC earlier that the required taxes for the car had been paid.

Arrest criminals in government, #FreeTheBughati pic.twitter.com/nj3qkf27s1

— Joseph N Mwenda (@jmwenda29) February 26, 2020

So we managed to find the owner of a single non registered but mobile property, but failed to find the owner of 48 stagnant flats that have paid land rates, Zesco & etc???????????????? pic.twitter.com/TF4WpH2q25

— Petersen Zagaze ???????? (@PetersenZagaze) February 26, 2020