THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has recovered more than K10 million in a tax evasion case involving United Chemicals Zambia Limited.

This follows an order by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, which found that between July 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, in Ndola, the company, in collusion with other persons unknown, submitted false declarations to ZRA, misrepresenting that several containers of cooking oil were exported from Zambia using different motor vehicles to Choice Services (Sarl) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contrary to the Customs and Excise Act.

It was further established that the company submitted falsified returns and statements that included zero-rated sales amounting to over K19.1 million, resulting in a loss of Government revenue in the form of Value Added Tax (VAT) totalling more than K10.7 million.

When the matter came up for plea on January 19, 2026, before Economic and Financial Crimes Court magistrate Tamara Kakusa in Ndola, the accused pleaded guilty to eight counts of furnishing false returns and statements.

The court convicted and fined the company K40, 000, payable within 14 days from the date of conviction, in default of which a warrant of distress would be issued.

The convict was also ordered to pay the evaded VAT amounting to K10.7 million and to compensate the State K400, 000 for prosecution costs, which have since been paid.

Meanwhile, ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala said the authority was encouraging all taxpayers to pay their fair share of taxes and remain compliant with tax laws to avoid punitive enforcement measures, including prosecution and imprisonment.

“We also appeal to members of the public to continue providing information on tax malpractices so that we grow the revenue base and promote fair competition. ZRA remains vigilant in curbing all forms of economic crimes aimed at denying the country much-needed revenue,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 21st January, 2026)