Malawian police arrested former finance minister Simplex Chithyola on Sunday over suspected money laundering and abuse of office allegations.
The arrest marks an intensifying post-election crackdown targeting former senior officials linked to the previous administration in the southern African nation.
Chithyola, now opposition leader in parliament, surrendered voluntarily after learning investigators sought him, his lawyer George Kadzipatike confirmed to AFP.
He served as finance minister from 2023 to 2025 under former president Lazarus Chakwera, whose government lost September elections amid rising living costs.
Authorities have launched multiple investigations into figures associated with the former Malawi Congress Party administration over alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
Chithyola previously drew public attention during his failed bid for party secretary general, amid scrutiny over conspicuous displays of personal wealth.
At least eight former cabinet ministers or senior figures from the previous government have been detained or questioned, according to an AFP tally.
Those investigated include former presidential and cabinet secretary Colleen Zamba and several ex-ministers from key portfolios including trade and agriculture.
Former finance minister Sosten Gwengwe was also detained earlier and later released on bail, signalling the breadth of the investigations.
The crackdown appears driven by the administration of President Peter Mutharika, which is revisiting decisions and financial transactions made by its predecessor.
Police have not disclosed further details of the allegations or indicated when Chithyola will appear in court.
The former minister has not publicly responded, leaving the charges to echo unanswered across Malawi’s shifting political landscape.
