By Burnett Munthali
KARONGA — Police in Karonga have arrested a 36-year-old Chinese national, Yekai Liao, while investigating allegations that an online business was being operated without the required licence.
Karonga Police Station Public Relations Officer Rose Chipyola said police acted on information alleging that foreign nationals were operating an international online business from a lodge in the district.
According to Chipyola, detectives searched the premises and found 20 desktop computers, 20 keyboards and 20 MiFi internet devices. Police have retained the items as exhibits pending further examination.
Police said the examination is intended to help investigators establish the nature and purpose of the activities allegedly being conducted from the premises.
Chipyola said Liao was questioned by investigators and allegedly stated that he was operating a business. Police are investigating the nature of the operation and whether it met applicable registration and licensing requirements.
According to the police account, Liao reportedly told investigators that the operation had 11 employees, including nine Malawian nationals and two Nigerian nationals, who were said to work between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Investigations are continuing. The allegations remain unproven.
