TWO Chinese nationals who were arrested for allegedly defrauding their fellow Chinese businessman in a botched chrome deal involving US$450 000 have been denied bail.

Hu Wenhuan and Chang Qing, who are facing charges of fraud were deemed unfit for bail by regional magistrate Jessie Kufa.

This is after the investigating officer Simbi Padzakashamba told the court that the two were a flight risk as they are facing a serious offence with overwhelming evidence.

The investigating officer also claimed that there is risk of interference with witnesses who are artisinal miners which may prejudice the case. 

The State represented by Rufaro Chonzi said on February and June 2025, and at number 10 Hawick Road Avondale, Harare, the two  acting in common purpose, misrepresented to Xusheng Investment Private Limited, represented by Zeng Ciu, that they were registered chrome miners operating in Mvurwi.

They allegedly misrepresented that they had the capacity to supply 4491.381 tons of chrome powder valued at US$450 000 within a period of five months.

Acting upon this misrepresentation, Xusheng Investment Private Limited, through its representative Zeng, reportedly paid the duo a total amount of US$450000 as an advance payment for the supply of the said chrome powder. 

It is alleged that after receiving the money, the duo failed to deliver the chrome powder as agreed. As a result of the misrepresentation, Xusheng Investment Private Limited suffered financial prejudice amounting to US$450000 and nothing was recovered.