Ex-Mozambique Finance Minister Detained in US After Prison Release

A former Mozambique finance minister convicted in the United States for his role in a $2 billion bond fraud case was detained by immigration authorities on Thursday, complicating plans for his return home following his release from prison.

Manuel Chang, 70, had been scheduled to board a flight to Mozambique from Boston’s Logan International Airport after completing his sentence. However, he was prevented from traveling after airline officials identified issues with his documentation, according to his lawyer, Adam Ford.

Instead of departing, Chang was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), adding a new layer of uncertainty to his legal situation.

Chang’s case stems from his involvement in a massive financial scandal tied to $2 billion in loans and bonds raised by Mozambican state-owned companies. The funds, which were ostensibly intended for maritime projects, became the focus of international investigations after it emerged that large portions had been misused, triggering a financial crisis in Mozambique and drawing scrutiny from global regulators.

Convicted in a US court, Chang’s legal saga has spanned multiple jurisdictions and years, involving extradition battles and complex financial crime proceedings. His detention by ICE suggests that despite completing his prison term, US authorities may still be considering further immigration or legal actions before allowing his return.

His lawyer stated that Chang had intended to leave the country immediately upon release, but the unexpected issue with travel documents halted those plans at the airport. It remains unclear whether he will be deported in the coming days or face additional administrative or legal proceedings in the United States.

The development underscores the ongoing international ramifications of one of Africa’s largest financial scandals, as well as the continued legal entanglements faced by officials involved in cross-border corruption cases.