A 68-YEAR-OLD Chinese woman allegedly duped a fellow national of US$160 000 in a fake lithium exporting licence deal.
According to the State, Li Quiyi allegedly name-dropped the First Family to convince one Hu Pengfei that she was well connected to help her acquire a lithium exporting permit.
She appeared before Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi and was remanded in custody to December 30.
The complainant in the matter is Icybay (Private) Limited represented by Hu.
State prosecutor, Lovet Muringwa, alleged that sometime in August 2023, Qian Han, a manager at Icybay, posted on WeChat looking for a partner to help the company in obtaining the licence.
Li responded to the message saying she had connections with the First Family.
Li said she could process the permit through her company, Li Jia Investments, at a cost of US$160 000.
On September 21, 2023, the complainant gave Li‘s accomplice who is at large, Zhang Xianghong, US$80 000 as advance payment.
- Chinese woman up for US$160K fraud
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On October 7, 2023, Li‘s accomplice was given the remaining US$80 000.
In November 2023, Li reportedly sent the Export Lithium Permit Licence to the complainant's representative through WeChat.
In October, this year, the complainant attempted to export lithium using the licence, but was told by the Customs Excise Department that it was fake.
The company filed a police report leading to her arrest.
