Zimbabwean authorities have dropped charges against multiple individuals implicated in the E-Creator Ponzi scheme.
The Harare Magistrate’s Criminal Court at Rotten Row confirmed that only one individual, Zhao Jiaotong, will now face trial as the alleged mastermind behind the massive financial scandal.
A court official revealed, “The charges against several accused persons have been withdrawn before plea.
The state will now direct its prosecution efforts towards the main suspect, Zhao Jiaotong.”The Rise and Collapse of E-Creator
The E-Creator controversy traces back to early 2023, when 39-year-old Chinese entrepreneur Zhao Jiaotong allegedly introduced an online Ponzi scheme under the guise of an e-commerce investment platform.
The scheme lured thousands of investors with promises of high monthly returns.
Operating under the name E-Creator Electronic Commerce (Pvt) Ltd, the company was officially registered on February 7, 2023, and conducted its operations from Joina City’s 10th floor in Harare.
Investors were drawn in by a tiered membership system that required an initial investment of $15 for VIP 1 status, with the prospect of earning $50 per month.
Higher membership tiers claimed to offer even more lucrative returns, making the platform highly appealing to Zimbabweans seeking financial stability.
E-Creator’s credibility was amplified by extensive social media promotions, with well-known personalities such as Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa (Madam Boss) and Admire Mushambi (Mama Vee) endorsing the platform.
Additionally, television and online advertisements further bolstered its legitimacy, attracting more investors.
By mid-2023, red flags emerged as users reported delays in withdrawing their funds.
On July 5, the company abruptly ceased operations, and a statement on its website alleged that Zhao had fled to China with investor funds.
Subsequent investigations uncovered that Zhao had managed over 50 EcoCash SIM cards, channelling nearly $1 million in investor deposits before the scheme collapsed.
Following E-Creator’s downfall, authorities arrested multiple individuals linked to the company.
Among those detained were Trymore Tapfumaneyi, Justin Kuchekenya, and Abraham Mutambu, the latter of whom was apprehended while attempting to evade capture by fleeing to Chihota.
ALSO READ: ‘Our Children Are at Risk’: Bulawayo Community Speaks Out on S*x Work Surge
However, in a courtroom decision on Tuesday, the State withdrew charges against Tapfumaneyi, Kuchekenya, Mutambu, William Chui, and Edwinah West, opting instead to proceed with Zhao as the sole defendant in the case.
Legal analysts suggest that this decision may be a strategic move by the prosecution.
“In financial crime cases, it is common for the State to narrow its focus on the primary suspect,” said one legal expert. “This can increase the likelihood of securing a conviction.”
The court’s decision has sparked debate among the public. While some believe it could strengthen the case against Zhao, others worry that key individuals involved in the scheme might evade justice.
“We put our savings into this platform, and now some of these people are walking free? It’s not fair. We need justice,” said one frustrated investor.
In response, authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns on financial fraud and investment scams.
The E-Creator scandal has underscored the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes, prompting regulators to urge citizens to conduct due diligence before investing in online platforms.
Meanwhile, Zhao’s trial is expected to set a legal precedent for financial crime cases in Zimbabwe.
Many will be closely following the proceedings to see if justice will be served and whether victims will receive any form of compensation.
“The case remains open,” a court official stated. “We encourage affected individuals to keep track of the legal process as it unfolds.”
