Preliminary investigations by cables and its associates have identified the five foreign nationals arrested in Chikwawa over alleged illegal mining activities as Russians .
Only cables can confidently reveal that they are Badalyan , Rushan Nersisyan, Andreir Sklyarchuk, Mark Sklyarchuk, and Aleksel Latcyk.
The suspects are reportedly linked to Baze International Limited and Avro International Limited.
Avro International Limited held a legitimate exploration licence for rare earth elements in Traditional Authority Maseya, Chikwawa, as of early 2025. The company had indicated plans to commence exploration activities in the area while engaging local communities.
However, the five suspects were arrested on suspicion of conducting unauthorized mineral exploration activities, allegedly without the required permits or beyond the scope permitted under existing licences.
Sources say the group stayed at a local lodge for about three weeks and reportedly denied staff access to their rooms, raising suspicion among workers and community members.
The suspects were arrested on May 20 following intelligence gathered from local miners and officials from the Ministry of Mining regarding their alleged illegal operations.
They were later released on police bail around midnight on Friday, May 22, following reported intervention from higher authorities. Our publication is continuing investigations to establish who authorized their release.
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