**Two Senior Officials of Malawi’s National Oil Company Arrested Over Alleged $400,000 Fraudulent Transfer to Mozambique**
*Maputo, 1 September 2026* – The Malawian Police Service (MPS) announced the arrest of two senior executives from the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) in connection with an alleged fraudulent transfer of more than US $400,000 to Mozambique.
According to Alfred Chimthere, Deputy National Public Relations Officer of the MPS, the individuals detained are Miklas Reuben, 54, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NOCMA, and Thokozani Jacob Sesani, 49, Senior Operations Manager. Chimthere, cited by the Malawian electronic newspaper *Nyasa Times*, said the pair are expected to face charges that may include negligence by a public officer in preserving public funds, misuse of public office, and related offences.
Police investigations indicate that the disputed sum was transferred to an account belonging to Moniray Mozhandlings Lda. The transfer was purportedly intended to cover loading and clearing charges for fuel shipments at the ports of Beira and Nacala in Mozambique. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the payment was authorized by NOCMA or if the recipient was a legitimate service provider.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the court soon. Meanwhile, investigations into the matter are ongoing,” Chimthere said.
The arrests follow earlier disclosures by NOCMA that it had fallen victim to a sophisticated fraud scheme. According to the company, criminals intercepted email communications and submitted forged banking details, posing as a legitimate service provider to divert funds.
Investigators are continuing to examine the full extent of the fraud and to determine how the substantial amount was diverted. No further arrests have been reported at this stage.
*AllAfrica* reported the story based on statements from the MPS and coverage by *Nyasa Times*.
Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE
