The CPS is continuing to flex its muscle under the UK Bribery Act, this time with an 18-count indictment against British businessman Zuneth Sattar. The charges allege a years-long scheme to bribe at least seven high-ranking Malawian officials in exchange for lucrative government contracts. Ironically, among the recipients is the former head of Malawi’s anti-corruption agency.
The case underscores the UK’s growing willingness to pursue overseas bribery aggressively, particularly when the accused is a British national or company. With millions of pounds allegedly exchanged to secure defence and supply contracts, the prosecution highlights exactly the kind of high-risk, high-value corruption scenario the Bribery Act was designed to address.
Who is involved?
Those allegedly involved include:
- Former VP Saulos Chilima (died June 2024)
- Prince Kapondamgaga, State House Chief of Staff
- George Kainja, former Inspector General of Police
- Reyneck Matemba, ex-Director General of Malawi’s Anti‑Corruption Bureau
- Brigadier Dan Kuwali, defense legal officer and law academic
- John Suzi Banda, former procurement agency director
- Polizei prosecutor Mwabi Kaluba
Sattar is alleged to have bribed these officials, with payments reportedly ranging up to $50,000 each, in return for nearly $56 million worth of defence and security contracts for riot gear, food rations, and armoured personnel carriers.
Legal proceedings in the UK
Sattar appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 29 May 2025, where bail was granted at £2 million; passports were surrendered, and a travel ban imposed. His case has been referred to Southwark Crown Court, with a hearing set for 26 June 2025.
Wider significance and reaction
NGO Spotlight on Corruption emphasised this case as a turning point and experts stressed the importance of international cooperation. Indeed, governments in Malawi and the UK, including the National Crime Agency and Malawi’s Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB), worked closely to build the case.
Historical context in Malawi
This case follows a history of endemic corruption in Malawiת most notoriously the 2013 “Cashgate” scandal where £32m was siphoned from public coffers. Sattar’s alleged scheme fits a pattern of procurement corruption within the country.
Notably, charges against former VP Chilima were dropped in May 2024, as Malawi’s DPP discontinued the case, though concerns remain about political influences weakening accountability.
What are the takeaways for compliance?
- UK Bribery Act Applies Globally: UK nationals or companies can be prosecuted for overseas bribery involving foreign officials.
- High-Risk in Government Procurement: Especially where defence or supply contracts are concerned.
- Value of Cross-Border Cooperation: This case highlights how joint investigations can tackle grand corruption.
- Robust eLearning Needs:
- Embed real-world case studies to emphasize practical relevance.
- Include guidance on due diligence, third-party risk, and red flags.
- Compliance Software Role:
- Use contract approvals, supplier screening, automated monitoring, and audit trails.
- Alert triggers for suspicious payments and enhanced KYC.
Why does it matter now?
Enforcement under the UK Bribery Act continues to intensify, making the risks associated with global bribery more tangible and prosecutable. At the same time, political corruption in developing countries poses significant reputational and legal risks for foreign businesses and governments operating in those environments, highlighting the need for robust compliance frameworks and careful due diligence.
How VinciWorks can help
Omnitrack
Managing gifts and hospitality is critical to safeguarding against bribery, which can lead to significant legal and reputational damage. In some jurisdictions, such as the UK, failure to prevent bribery is an offence. Maintaining a gifts register is essential for demonstrating that adequate anti-bribery procedures are in place.
Omnitrack’s Gifts & Hospitality Reporting Solution simplifies the tracking and recording process, ensuring compliance with laws across various jurisdictions. Our solution centralises data collection, approval processes, and monitoring. It features conditional logic to adapt to different scenarios, built-in guidance to flag potential issues, and automated reminders for compliance tasks.
Training
Bribery schemes can lead to the loss of money, reputational damage and legal action. Companies and law firms need to know how to manage and mitigate their bribery risks. With gamified learning, customised content and real-life scenarios, VinciWorks’ suite of anti-bribery courses will ensure your entire staff is trained to avoid corruption.
