MBABANE – A charge of money laundering will be added to the 57-year-old Chinese businessman who is wanted in his home country in connection with the alleged theft of approximately E2 billion.
Jin Houyun, who is currently facing 13 charges, will now face 14 counts, following the addition of this new offence. This transpired when Houyun appeared in court for the matter, which was due for trial yesterday. His current charges include fraud, specifically alleging that he produced forged Eswatini passports on several occasions to immigration officers at the Ngwenya Border Gate in order to enter and exit the country. Additionally, the businessman is alleged to have been found in possession of a diplomatic passport. It is also reported that he was found in possession of dagga weighing 1kg at his residence at Tubungu in Matsapha.
The charge sheet further states that Houyun attempted to bribe two police officers to avoid arrest, resulting in a charge of corruption.
Patrick Matsenjwa, who is representing the Crown in this matter, informed the court that the prosecution had received new information concerning suspected money laundering while it was about to complete the statements of agreed facts. He stated that the Crown had no option but to seek a postponement in accordance with Section 141 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938, pending the addition of the new charge.
He then applied for the matter to be adjourned until March 19, 2026, pending the setting of a trial date.
Jin Houyun (C) having a conversation with his defence team, Interpreter Pingchange Wuan and his fellow countrymen recently. (File pic)