The ongoing legal saga surrounding the P170 million Ecoplexus scam has taken a new turn raising fresh questions about the legitimacy of the charges and the conduct of investigations.
The case, which initially appeared to be a straightforward financial scam, has now become mired in controversy, with allegations of malicious prosecution, procedural delays, and questions about the evidence used against the accused.
The accused, identified as Weng Jiajin, a Chinese national and businessman, has vehemently denied any involvement in fraudulent activities. In a detailed affidavit submitted to the court, Jiajin asserts that he is innocent of all charges, which include 994 counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. He claims that he has been unfairly targeted due to his association with the Ecoplexus scheme, a pyramid-like investment operation that purportedly promised high returns to investors.
Jiajin’s affidavit paints a picture of a legitimate businessman, who has been operating in Botswana and Tanzania for several years without prior criminal record. He describes his extensive travels across Africa and China, emphasizing his lawful status and genuine business activities. His businesses, including a hardware enterprise in Botswana and a similar venture in Tanzania, are supported by official documents such as company registration certificates, tax certificates, and financial statements.
The accused, identified as Weng Jiajin, a Chinese national and businessman, has vehemently denied any involvement in fraudulent activities.
According to the affidavit, the case against him stems from a pyramid scheme called “Ecoplexus,” which allegedly recruited individuals to invest money with promises of high returns. However, Jiajin states that there is no concrete evidence linking him directly to the scheme. The only connection cited by prosecutors is his brief acquaintance with a Mr. Ling, a Chinese national involved in the scheme, who reportedly asked Jiajin to assist with registering SIM cards for a lending business. Jiajin claims he helped Ling briefly and then left the country, unaware of any illegal activities.
The controversy deepened when Jiajin was arrested at Dar es Salaam International Airport in January 2025, while en route from China to Tanzania. He was detained based on an Interpol red notice at the behest of Botswana authorities. Despite his willingness to cooperate and clear his name, the legal process has been sluggish. Since his extradition to Botswana in August 2025, he has made only five court appearances, with the case still under investigation.
Jiajin’s legal team argues that the charges are malicious and amount to an abuse of process. They highlight the lack of direct evidence and emphasize that no witness has claimed that Jiajin personally obtained any funds from investors. The case, they assert, is built on flimsy connections and assumptions rather than concrete proof.
The accused has also filed for bail, citing the severe impact the case has had on his personal life and business. He reports that his enterprises in Botswana and Tanzania have come to a halt, resulting in significant financial losses and economic hardship for his family. He emphasizes his willingness to stand trial, asserting that he is not a flight risk and has no intention of evading justice.
