Interpol Nabs Fugitive Zimb Businessman in Portugal Over $740,000 Fuel Fraud
Interpol has arrested fugitive Zimbabwean businessman Tawanda Hairwadzi in Portugal, ending nearly three years on the run after he allegedly defrauded a local energy company of fuel worth over US$740,000.
Hairwadzi (43), who was wanted on charges of theft of trust property, was arrested on 9 July 2025 following a Red Notice issued by Zimbabwean authorities.
His wife, Shungu Mwashaireni Hairwadzi (43), is also implicated in the case.
Confirming the arrest, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Hairwadzi and his wife operated Eptha Energy [Private] Limited, a transport services company that entered into a contract with Addax Energy [Private] Limited in August 2021 to deliver 2 million litres of fuel to a government ministry.
“During the period from 1st August 2021 to 30th November 2021, Addax Energy [Private] Limited released 1,040,000 litres of fuel to Eptha Energy [Private] Limited, expecting payment amounting to US$743,600,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
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However, investigations later revealed that the fuel was never delivered to the government ministry, and Eptha Energy [Private] Limited abruptly shut down its operations, leaving Addax Energy unpaid.
A police report was filed in September 2022 after authorities received information that Hairwadzi had fled the country.
He was subsequently placed on the Interpol Red Notice list, leading to his eventual capture.
“The extradition process is underway, and more details will be released in due course,” added Commissioner Nyathi.
