A Chinese businessman has been sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to pay €15.1 million in compensation to the Mozambican state for losses caused through the illegal purchase and export of timber.
According to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM), the ruling was handed down on Tuesday by a panel of judges at the Sixth Section of the Judicial Court of Sofala Province, which found the prosecution’s case fully proven. The defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, was tried in absentia and represented throughout the proceedings by his lawyers.
The court found the businessman guilty of fraud and document forgery committed in connection with the illegal purchase and export of timber operations.
During sentencing, Judge Martinho Muchiguere stated that the evidence presented demonstrated that the businessman acted deliberately and with full awareness, directing his conduct specifically to cause harm to the Mozambican state.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the tribunal set compensation of €15.1 million in favour of the state, intended to cover losses arising from the illicit activities.
Given the convicted man’s flight from justice, the court ordered the issuance of an international arrest warrant, notifying the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and Interpol.
The measure is intended to ensure the location and detention of the businessman so that he serves the prison sentence and pays the compensation determined by the court.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/29/negocios/empresas/sofala-empresario-chines-condenado-a-oito-anos-e-a-pagar-15-me-ao-estado/
