Chinese Fugitive Accused of Faking US$10 Million Gold Smuggling Claims to Attack Zimbabwe Mining Partners
A Chinese national who fled Zimbabwe after being charged with theft is now accused of leading a cross-border smear campaign using fake gold smuggling claims and AI-generated documents to target his former mining partners.
He Qinggang, formerly employed by Podhill (Private) Limited, allegedly escaped to China earlier this year after being released on police summons in Gweru.
He had been arrested for allegedly stealing nearly US$4,800 from the company’s bank account, under case number RRB 248/03/25 at ZRP Gweru Central.
Police sources confirmed that he disappeared shortly after his release and failed to appear in court as required.
His name resurfaced recently in what industry insiders describe as a “well-orchestrated campaign” aimed at discrediting Podhill’s majority shareholder, Generous Resources (Private) Limited, and its chairperson, Zuo Wenzhong.
Investigations suggest the fallout between He and Zuo — along with He’s uncle, Li Yajun triggered a bitter feud that has spilled across borders.
Sources close to the matter allege that after leaving Zimbabwe, He and Li conspired to fabricate documents accusing Podhill of smuggling over 120 kilogrammes of gold, worth nearly US$10 million, out of the country.
The allegations, published in some sections of the local media, were reportedly based on AI-generated documents designed to appear authentic.
The claims quickly circulated online, raising alarm within the mining sector and prompting a preliminary inquiry by law enforcement.
Authorities have since confirmed that there is no record of such a smuggling operation.
According to NewsDay, the documents were part of a calculated effort to damage the reputation of Generous Resources and its partners.
Podhill is a joint venture between Generous Resources, which holds a 60 percent stake, and Milhub (Private) Limited, which owns the remaining 40 percent.
Milhub’s principal shareholders are Mohamad Taleb and Mohamad Karim, both Australian nationals with long-standing business interests in Zimbabwe.
Speaking to this publication, Taleb expressed concern over the reputational and financial harm caused by the false allegations.
“I have worked and invested in Zimbabwe for over 20 years, contributing to local employment and development. It is heartbreaking to see malicious lies being spread by people who once benefited from this partnership,” he said.
Taleb added, “The false story has not only disrupted operations but also shaken investor confidence. Our shareholders are innocent, yet we are now battling to repair the damage caused by a fugitive who is trying to settle old scores.”
The controversy has sent ripples through the mining community, with stakeholders warning that such fabricated reports could undermine investor trust and deter foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s gold sector.
Meanwhile, police have maintained that He remains a wanted person in connection with the theft case and may face additional charges related to the dissemination of false information.
