LUSAKA | 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Lusaka Subordinate Court on Friday 5th September, 2025, sentenced Francis Timothy Shiompa to 7 years in prison for his role in orchestrating a series of fraudulent online investment schemes under the names Go-Like and E-Tesco, which defrauded victims of over K11, 000,000.
Shiompa was convicted on three counts of obtaining money by false pretences, in violation of Section 309 of the Penal Code, following a trial that began in February 2022.
According to evidence presented before Senior Resident Magistrate Ngobola, Shiompa deceived multiple individuals between June and July 2021, promising unrealistic returns through non-existent investment platforms. In one instance, he obtained K501,750.00 from Precious Nawale under the guise of investing in Go-Like. In other counts, Chanda Muntanga and Chidni Patel were duped into investing K34,200.00 and K38,000.00 respectively.
He was sentenced to 2 years on each of the first two counts and 7 years on the third sentences which will run concurrently, totaling 7 years imprisonment.
Shiompa was acquitted on two other counts involving separate victims due to the non-appearance of key witnesses, despite court summons.
The case also involves an ongoing charge of money laundering under the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, with the accused allegedly handling over ZMW 11 million suspected to be proceeds of crime. Following the conviction, Senior Public Prosecutor Mr. Alex Yanganani confirmed that the State will proceed to file a Conviction-Based Forfeiture to recover the unlawfully acquired assets.
This conviction also stands as evidence of the State’s commitment to pursuing justice irrespective of a person’s social, professional, or financial standing. Whether high-profile or hidden behind digital curtains, all individuals involved in criminal enterprise will be held accountable.
The fraudulent investment platforms Go-Like and E-Tesco gained notoriety in Zambia during the 2021 period, promising fast returns and attracting a wave of unsuspecting investors, many of whom lost life savings. Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious financial schemes.
Further updates will follow as forfeiture proceedings advance.