Regulators are investigating suspicious financial activities involving faith-based organizations and international entities operating in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is investigating potential illicit financial flows through faith-based and international organizations operating in the country. The FIU's 2025 annual report indicates that charitable donations and project funding may be disguised to conceal terrorist financing. Investigations are ongoing into suspected attempts to use local individuals to move funds under the guise of legitimate charitable and development activities.
The agency did not disclose the number of organizations under scrutiny or the amounts involved, but the revelations come amid increased attention on substantial sums flowing into religious bodies. The FIU has also referred intelligence to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission concerning suspected corruption and money laundering, including government officials acquiring assets inconsistent with their declared income and companies moving funds out of the country without proper acquittal.
The investigations also revealed patterns of companies failing to account for funds transferred to foreign accounts within the prescribed 90-day period, and some companies allegedly depositing hard cash directly into foreign-domiciled bank accounts. These findings highlight concerns about the potential exploitation of institutions traditionally associated with charity for concealing illicit financial movements.
Why it mattersFaith-based organizations and international entities in Zimbabwe are being investigated for potentially facilitating illicit financial flows, impacting the integrity of charitable and development funding.
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