Whistleblower Files Application for Safety Amid Life-Threatening Circumstances
A local businessman Francesco Marconati, who exposed a well-organized syndicate involved in the externalization of scarce Forex through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has filed an application seeking protection from the authorities.
Francesco Marconati, the owner of multiple companies, including Eagle Italian Shoes and Leather and Strengthened Investments Private Limited, stated that his life is in danger after blowing the whistle on a director within his companies for forex externalization.
Marconati emphasized that his rights were being violated as a result of exposing the criminal syndicate. In his application, he requested the court to invoke and recognize the rights and interests derived from whistleblowing.
He argued that his active role in exposing the well-organized crime, which contributes to Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, warranted his protection as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Highlighting the sophistication and involvement of a syndicate in white-collar criminal offenses, Marconati asserted that he met the criteria for protection.
He acknowledged the ongoing legislative process in Zimbabwe’s Parliament to enact a whistleblower protection law known as the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistleblower) Bill, further underlining the need for his safeguarding.
Marconati also referred to previous instances where he sought legal intervention to protect his rights concerning cases involving his former business partner, Li Song.
He clarified that the present application was distinct and based on different circumstances that substantiated the necessity for his whistleblower protection.
As a successful businessperson involved in various sectors—such as leather and textile, mining, and tourism—Marconati explained that his primary focus had been expanding his businesses while delegating financial transactions to directors.
However, in 2021, he discovered that one of the directors, Li Song, had engaged in illicit transactions, bidding for forex in the name of the company but for personal gain. This fraudulent activity resulted in substantial financial losses for the company.
Taking immediate action, Marconati, as the majority shareholder, removed Li Song as a director and reported the case to the police.
He later uncovered that Li Song also utilized other affiliated companies, including DGL 9 and 5, and Strengthened Investments, to facilitate illicit transactions and forge invoices. Furthermore, it was revealed that Li Song had utilized a registered investment company in Mauritius, Jacaranda Consulting Services, to carry out these activities.
Marconati claimed that the police were aware of all the information and had his full cooperation, including financial support for their investigations.
In an attempt to silence him, Li Song falsely accused Marconati of fraud in criminal court, but he was subsequently acquitted. However, the acquittal is currently under appeal by the Prosecutor General.
Despite facing frustration and threats from Li Song and her associates, Marconati remained committed to seeking justice. He believed that his whistleblowing exposed the manipulation of the forex auction system and the externalization of millions of dollars facilitated by Li Song and like-minded individuals. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe conducted its own investigations, joining the case as complainants against Li Song.
Since becoming a whistleblower, Marconati claimed to have been followed by vehicles without number plates. He highlighted an attempt on his life and that of his son, which he reported to the police, providing substantial evidence.
However, to date, no action has been taken to address the threat against him.
Marconati named the Prosecutor General, District Public Prosecutor, Commissioner General of Police, Officer in Charge of Dornington Police Station, Officer in Charge of CID Commercial Crimes Division, and the Minister of Justice as respondents in his application for protection.
The matter is currently pending resolution.
