Zhao Jiaotong is a Chinese national who is the alleged founder and mastermind of the E-Creator Ponzi scheme in Zimbabwe.[1] He faces charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to US$1 million, following the collapse of the investment platform in July 2023.[2]
In January 2023, Zhao Jiaotong is alleged to have devised a plan to defraud Zimbabwean nationals through an online investment scheme.[2] On 7 February 2023, a company named E-Creator Electronic Commerce (Private) Limited was registered with the Zimbabwean Registrar of Companies.[3] The company operated from offices in Joina City, Harare.[2]
From February to July 2023, the company promoted an online e-commerce investment platform that promised investors substantial monthly profits based on their level of investment.[4] The scheme attracted thousands of investors who deposited an estimated US$1 million through various EcoCash numbers.[2] To enhance its credibility, the scheme used national television, social media, and prominent Zimbabwean socialites such as Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa (Madam Boss) and Admire Mushambi (Mama Vee) for promotion.[5]
Arrest
In early July 2023, investors began experiencing difficulties withdrawing their funds. Company representatives initially claimed this was due to a system upgrade.[2] However, on 5 July 2023, a notice appeared on the E-Creator website stating the company had ceased operations and alleging that Zhao Jiaotong had fled to China with investor funds.[6]
Zhao Jiaotong was arrested on 12 July 2023 at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai.[7] The investigating officer, Detective Brighton Samaneka, opposed bail, stating Zhao was a flight risk and possessed large sums of fraudulently obtained money.[8]
Legal Proceedings
Zhao Jiaotong first appeared in the Harare Magistrates Court on 14 July 2023.[2] On 22 July 2023, Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa denied him bail, citing the severity of the charges and flight risk.[9]
In February 2025, the State withdrew charges against several co-accused, leaving Zhao Jiaotong as one of the two defendants.[10] The trial against Zhao Jiaotong and William Chui commenced in July 2025, with both defendants pleading not guilty.[11] Zhao Jiaotong remains in remand prison as the trial proceeds.[11]
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