Court denies bail for Chinese wildlife, money laundering convict

It never rains but pours for convicted Chinese national and alleged wildlife trafficking kingpin Yunhua Lin as the Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate court has denied his bail application in a corruption case.

Lin, who is facing seven fresh charges related to corruption, is accused of attempting to bribe a High Court judge to reduce his original sentence and allegedly bribing prison officials to gain privileges during incarceration.

The charges come amid controversy surrounding his apparent early release from a 14-year sentence for wildlife trafficking and money laundering, reportedly after serving only four years.

His recent public sightings, including visits to his farm in Lumbazi, Lilongwe, and other locations, have sparked national outcry and intensified scrutiny.

In his bail application, Lin argued that he is a legitimate businessman whose companies employ Malawians and contribute to the national economy through tax payments.

He requested bail to continue managing his businesses while awaiting trial.

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Prosecutor Peter Sambani led the State’s argument, stating that Lin’s foreign nationality, coupled with the fact that his family has already returned to China, increases the likelihood of him absconding trial if released on bail.

Sambani also noted that Lin had previously managed to secure unauthorized leave from prison to visit his private businesses and property, which demonstrates his ability to manipulate the system.

“Given the nature of the charges and a previous deportation order issued during sentencing for his earlier convictions, the accused is at high risk of fleeing the country,” said Sambani.

The State therefore requested that the court deny Lin bail until the corruption trial is concluded.

Representing Lin, defense lawyer Patrick Kalimbuka maintained that his client is innocent until proven guilty. He argued that Lin is a legitimate businessman whose enterprises provide employment and contribute to Malawi’s economy.

“All cases are bailable. Mr. Lin is invested in Malawi, operates multiple businesses, employs Malawians, and pays taxes. This is not the behavior of someone intending to flee,” said Kalimbuka, also presenting a land lease certificate for Lin’s farm.

However, Magistrate Chulu dismissed the document, noting that the land lease certificate presented by the defense did not bear Lin’s name.

Delivering his ruling after nearly 15 minutes, Magistrate Chulu upheld the State’s arguments.

“The court finds that the accused is indeed a flight risk. His previous denial of bail by the Supreme Court on similar grounds, coupled with the seriousness of the charges and lack of verifiable property under his name, compels this court to deny bail,” he said.

Chulu then adjourned the case to June 4 for further directions.