At least four former directors of Mozambique’s national carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), including a former chief executive officer, have been detained on suspicion of involvement in corruption cases, a source linked to the investigation told Lusa on Thursday.
According to the same source, those detained include former CEO João Carlos Pó Jorge, as well as the former financial director, operations director and former head of treasury.
The former LAM officials were detained as part of a criminal case brought by Mozambique’s Central Office for Combating Corruption (GCCC). They are accused of causing financial damage, corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office, according to Mozambican media reports.
João Carlos Pó Jorge left his position in February 2024, a role he had held since 2018. His departure followed allegations made that same month by restructuring director Sérgio Matos, who denounced a money diversion scheme causing losses of nearly three million euros in ticket sales shops. The alleged scheme involved payment terminals (POS) that did not belong to the company.
On Tuesday, the GCCC said it currently has five criminal cases underway related to irregularities at the state-owned airline, including issues involving service contracts and aircraft leasing.
“Five criminal proceedings are underway concerning Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique, each with specific objectives and at different stages of investigation,” GCCC spokesperson Romualdo Johnam said at a press conference in Maputo.
Johnam stated that some of the cases already have formally charged defendants and suspects, including senior managers and other employees in key areas of the company.
Among the irregularities identified are issues related to the sale and acquisition of aircraft, procurement of staff uniforms, catering and fuel services, as well as operations involving payments without proper contractual justification.
Authorities are also examining the circumstances and legality of a memorandum signed between Fly Modern Ark Airlines South Africa Proprietary and the State Asset Management Institute (Igepe) in the context of LAM’s previous management and restructuring. Other matters under investigation include the lease of a Boeing 737 cargo aircraft that “never operated due to lack of licensing,” payments for airline tickets, and translation services allegedly paid at inflated prices or without contracts.
“All these proceedings indicate the alleged practice of crimes such as causing financial damage, abuse of office, embezzlement and other offenses that may emerge during the investigation,” Johnam added.
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LAM has faced operational difficulties for several years, including a reduced fleet and lack of investment. The airline has recorded several non-fatal incidents, which experts have linked to poor aircraft maintenance, and is currently undergoing a deep restructuring process.
