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Malawi: Staged Funeral Used to Smuggle Charcoal (PHOTOS)

Published February 16, 2026, 17:11
Malawi: Staged Funeral Used to Smuggle Charcoal (PHOTOS)

In Malawi, authorities have arrested nine people accused of smuggling charcoal inside a hearse, staging a fake funeral as a cover. Illegal charcoal trafficking is a serious problem in the country, contributing to deforestation. Forestry officials stopped the vehicle at an intersection and discovered sacks of charcoal worth approximately 1800 euros inside the hearse. The suspects face up to five years in prison. Despite initial detention, the suspects managed to escape, leaving the vehicle behind.