Hoogstraten arrested in Zimbabwe

British property developer Nicholas van Hoogstraten has been arrested in Zimbabwe, according to local media. The state-run Herald newspaper said Mr van Hoogstraten, 63, was charged with breaking foreign exchange laws after a night raid at his Harare home. He is accused of demanding rent in overseas currency, contrary to Zimbabwean law, the newspaper said. A police spokesman told it that Mr van Hoogstraten, of Uckfield, East Sussex, owns about 200 properties in Zimbabwe. Bundles of money Officers recovered 20 billion Zimbabwe dollars (£335,883; US$665,148) in cash, US$37,586 (£18,980), 92,880 South African rands (£6,552; US$12,975), £190 (US$376) and 180 Botswana pula (£15; US$29). Van Hoogstraten is being charged under the Exchange Control Regulations Police spokesman Life of controversy Zimbabwean law prohibits the use of foreign currencies for local goods and services. Zimbabwean TV news bulletins showed Mr van Hoogstraten dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt, as the bundles of money allegedly found at his house were carried out by police. http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/new_homes/article3244790.ece

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