IMMIGRATION OFFICER NABBED OVER PASSPORT CORRUPTION SCHEME IN LILONGWE
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
An immigration officer based in Lilongwe has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over allegations that he demanded money from a passport applicant in exchange for speeding up passport processing.
The suspect, identified as Lawrent Kagona, was apprehended on March 9, 2026, after investigators concluded inquiries into suspected corrupt practices within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
According to information released by ACB, the investigation began after the bureau received a complaint from a passport applicant earlier this year.
The complaint, lodged on January 20, 2026, alleged that some officers were requesting additional payments from applicants in order to accelerate the processing of passports.
ACB spokesperson Jacqueline Ngongonda confirmed the arrest in an official statement issued on Monday.
She explained that investigators gathered evidence showing that Kagona allegedly asked the applicant to pay K300,000 to have her passport processed more quickly.
The bureau says the payment arrangement involved two transactions.
Half of the money, amounting to K150,000, was reportedly handed over in cash, while the remaining K150,000 was allegedly transferred using Airtel Money.
Authorities noted that the passport the applicant had applied for was an ordinary passport whose official government processing fee is K50,000.
The alleged demand for extra payment, according to investigators, was therefore outside the legally approved charges.
ACB officials say such conduct undermines public trust in government services and violates Malawiโs anti-corruption laws.
The bureau stated that Kagonaโs alleged actions contravene Section 24(1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Meanwhile, the suspect is expected to undergo formal questioning before appearing in court where he will face corruption-related charges.
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