A 68-YEAR-OLD Chinese woman was yesterday denied bail by Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova for allegedly duping her fellow national of US$160 000 in a fake lithium exporting licence deal.
Magistrate Matova denied her bail citing that Li Quiyi contravened the Immigration Act since she came in Zimbabwe without following procedure, hence she is not a good candidate for bail.
She was remanded in custody until January 21 for routine appearance.
According to the State Li allegedly name-dropped the first family to convince Hu Pengfei that she was well connected to help her acquire a lithium exporting permit.
The complainant in the case Icybay (Private) Limited was being represented by Hu.
State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi 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 a lithium exporting permit.
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.
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On September 21, 2023, the complainant gave Li’s accomplice Zhang Xianghong, who is at large, US$80 000 as advance payment.
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 and Excise Department that it was fake.
The company filed a police report leading to Li's arrest.
