Investigative Report on Uebert Angel

Key Points

• Identity and Role: Uebert Angel, born Uebert Mudzanire, is a British-Zimbabwean evangelical preacher, businessman, and self-proclaimed prophet who founded the Spirit Embassy (rebranded as Good News Church) and serves as a Zimbabwean presidential envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas.
• Allegations of Money Laundering: Al Jazeera’s 2023 undercover investigation implicated Angel in a gold-smuggling and money-laundering scheme, alleging he offered to use his diplomatic status to launder up to $1.2 billion, though Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) later cleared him of these accusations.
• Business Ventures: Angel operates multiple businesses under The Angel Organisation, including real estate, concierge services, and financial platforms, and claims to mentor entrepreneurs through The Millionaire Academy.
• Charitable Activities: Through the Uebert Angel Foundation, he has funded school fees and food donations in Zimbabwe, though the scale and impact of these efforts are debated.
• Controversial Associations: Angel has ties to controversial figures like Apostle Johnson Suleman and Shepherd Bushiri, raising questions about his network’s integrity.
• Public Perception: Mixed reviews, with supporters praising his spiritual leadership and charity, while critics highlight his lavish lifestyle and allegations of exploiting vulnerable congregants.
• Legal and Financial Status: No confirmed lawsuits or bankruptcy records, but the Al Jazeera investigation and related probes by Zimbabwe’s FIU and UK authorities suggest ongoing scrutiny.

Overview

Uebert Angel, born Uebert Mudzanire on September 6, 1978, is a British-Zimbabwean televangelist, businessman, and self-styled prophet. He is the founder of Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry established in 2007 in the United Kingdom, which rebranded to Good News Church in 2015. The church operates in over 15 countries, broadcasting through channels like Miracle TV, GoodNews TV, and Wow TV, reaching millions with Angel’s messages of prosperity theology, healing, and prophecy. Angel claims to predict events like football matches and elections and promotes the idea that God wants his followers to be wealthy, often traveling by helicopter to emphasize his own affluence.

Appointed in 2021 by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a presidential envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas, Angel holds significant diplomatic influence. His business ventures include The Angel Organisation, which oversees real estate (Sam Barkeley Construction), concierge services (Club Millionaire Limited), financial platforms (Brits Bank, Atom Mobile), and The Millionaire Academy, aimed at teaching entrepreneurial success. Angel also runs the Uebert Angel Foundation, which supports education and food aid in Zimbabwe and Asia, and the Free Earth Humanitarian Organisation, focused on basic needs for underprivileged communities.

Despite his prominence, Angel’s reputation is polarizing. Supporters view him as a charismatic spiritual leader and philanthropist, while critics, including former Zimbabwean finance minister Tendai Biti, label him part of a “gold mafia” exploiting Zimbabwe’s resources. His 2023 implication in an Al Jazeera investigation into money laundering has intensified scrutiny, though he was cleared by Zimbabwe’s FIU.

Allegations and Concerns

The most significant allegations against Uebert Angel stem from Al Jazeera’s 2023 investigative series, Gold Mafia, which exposed a potential money-laundering operation involving gold smuggling in Zimbabwe. Undercover reporters, posing as clients, recorded Angel allegedly offering to use his diplomatic status to smuggle large volumes of cash into Zimbabwe, exchanging it for gold to “clean” illicit funds. He reportedly claimed he could launder up to $1.2 billion and suggested President Mnangagwa was aware of these activities. Angel’s business partner, Rikki Doolan, also implied Mnangagwa’s approval and offered to arrange a meeting with the president. The investigation linked Angel to Henrietta Rushwaya, president of the Zimbabwe Miners Association, who facilitated cash-for-gold transactions.

Additional concerns include:

• Exploitation of Congregants: Reports, such as a 2018 South African investigation into churches, suggest Angel’s ministry may exploit vulnerable followers by charging for services like “holy water” or prophetic consultations, a practice criticized by the CRL Rights Commission.
• False Claims: Angel has been accused of exaggerating his wealth, such as claiming ownership of a Birmingham, UK, building he was only renting, as reported by ZimEye.
• Association with Controversial Figures: Angel’s ties to Shepherd Bushiri, investigated for sending millions to Malawi, and Apostle Johnson Suleman, who hosted Angel in Nigeria, raise questions about his network’s ethics.
• African Union Appointment: Despite the Gold Mafia allegations, Angel’s 2023 appointment as a Pan-African Parliament ambassador for interfaith dialogue sparked criticism for undermining anti-corruption efforts.

Zimbabwe’s FIU cleared Angel of wrongdoing in 2023, citing insufficient evidence, but investigations in the UK and by Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank continue, as noted in X posts and news reports.

Customer Feedback

Feedback on Uebert Angel is divided, reflecting his dual roles as a spiritual leader and businessman. Supporters on platforms like YouTube and his church’s website praise his inspirational teachings and charitable efforts. For example:

• A follower on GoodNews TV commented, “Prophet Angel’s messages have transformed my life. His prophecies are accurate, and his foundation’s work in Zimbabwe is a blessing.”
• A review on his website lauds, “The Millionaire Academy gave me practical tools to start my business. Uebert’s mentorship is life-changing.”

Conversely, critics on X and news forums highlight ethical concerns:

• A user on X (@PacheduZW) stated, “Uebert Angel’s diplomatic bag for laundering $1.2B is a disgrace. He’s fleecing Zimbabwe while hiding behind prophecy.”
• A 2023 article on ZimEye quoted a congregant saying, “I paid for a ‘miracle session’ that promised healing, but it felt like a scam. He lives in luxury while we struggle.”
• The CRL Rights Commission’s report noted complaints about churches like Angel’s charging for spiritual services, with one congregant saying, “I spent my savings on ‘blessed items’ that did nothing.”

The polarized feedback underscores a split between those who view Angel as a divine figure and those who see him as exploiting faith for profit.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Angel’s involvement in high-value transactions, as alleged in the Gold Mafia investigation, poses risks of financial instability if linked to illicit funds. His businesses, like Brits Bank and Atom Mobile, lack transparent financial records, raising concerns about their legitimacy.
• Reputational Risks: The money-laundering allegations and association with controversial figures like Bushiri damage Angel’s credibility, potentially alienating followers and business partners. His lavish lifestyle, including helicopter travel, contrasts with his charity work, fueling accusations of hypocrisy.
• Legal Risks: Ongoing investigations by the UK Home Office and Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank could lead to charges if evidence of wrongdoing emerges. The Gold Mafia exposé also mentioned potential violations of the UK’s Proceeds of Crimes Act.
• Operational Risks: The global reach of Good News Church and The Angel Organisation depends on Angel’s personal brand. Negative publicity could reduce donations and business revenue, impacting operations.
• Geopolitical Risks: Angel’s diplomatic role ties him to Zimbabwe’s government, which faces international sanctions. His alleged involvement in bypassing these sanctions could strain relations with foreign entities.

Business Relations and Associations

Angel’s network includes:

• Rikki Doolan: A British pastor and music artist, Doolan was implicated alongside Angel in the Gold Mafia investigation, allegedly facilitating money-laundering deals.
• Henrietta Rushwaya: President of the Zimbabwe Miners Association, Rushwaya was linked to Angel’s gold-smuggling scheme, providing access to cash-for-gold transactions.
• Emmerson Mnangagwa: Zimbabwe’s president, who appointed Angel as envoy and was allegedly aware of his schemes, though no direct evidence confirms this.
• Shepherd Bushiri: A Malawian preacher and Angel’s mentee, investigated for financial misconduct, highlighting the controversial nature of Angel’s mentorship.
• Apostle Johnson Suleman: Hosted Angel in Nigeria, connecting him to influential African religious networks.
• The Angel Organisation: Encompasses Angel’s business ventures, including real estate and financial platforms, though their operations lack public transparency.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Money-Laundering Investigation: The Al Jazeera Gold Mafia series (2023) alleged Angel conspired to launder $1.2 billion, prompting probes by Zimbabwe’s FIU and the UK Home Office. The FIU cleared him, but UK investigations remain ongoing.
• No Lawsuits or Bankruptcy: No public records confirm lawsuits or bankruptcy filings against Angel or his entities as of May 2025.
• Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Probe: The RBZ’s Financial Intelligence Unit investigated Angel and gold dealer Ewan MacMillan in 2023 for money laundering, requesting industry data on their assets from 2020–2023.
• CRL Rights Commission Findings: A 2018 South African investigation into churches flagged practices like Angel’s for exploiting congregants, though no direct legal action targeted him.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Uebert Angel presents a complex profile, blending spiritual influence, diplomatic power, and entrepreneurial ambition. His strengths include a global following, media presence through TV channels, and charitable initiatives that have supported thousands in Zimbabwe. His businesses, like The Millionaire Academy, appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs, and his diplomatic role enhances his influence in African and global circles. However, the Gold Mafia allegations cast a long shadow, suggesting potential involvement in illicit financial flows, which, despite his clearance by Zimbabwe’s FIU, remains under scrutiny in the UK. His association with figures like Bushiri and Suleman, coupled with criticisms of exploiting congregants, raises ethical red flags.

Pros:

• Charismatic leader with a loyal following, driving church and business growth.
• Charitable efforts, such as funding school fees for over 1,800 students, demonstrate social impact.
• Diverse business portfolio, potentially legitimate in real estate and finance.

Cons:

• Serious allegations of money laundering undermine credibility and invite legal risk.
• Opaque financial records for The Angel Organisation raise questions about legitimacy.
• Ties to controversial figures and a government under sanctions increase scrutiny.

Cautionary Advice: Engaging with Angel’s church or businesses requires caution. Potential partners or followers should verify the legitimacy of his financial platforms and demand transparency. The ongoing investigations suggest a need to monitor legal developments closely. His charitable work, while commendable, should be evaluated for scale and authenticity, as it may serve as a reputational shield. Avoid high-stakes financial dealings until investigations conclude.

Key Citations

• Al Jazeera Investigative Unit, “Top Zimbabwe ambassador involved in gold smuggling scheme,” March 23, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/top-zimbabwe-ambassador-involved-in-gold-smuggling-scheme
• Wikipedia, “Uebert Angel,” October 24, 2016, updated 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uebert_Angel
• The Zambian Observer, “Prophet Uebert Angel Under Investigation for Alleged Money-Laundering and Grand Theft,” March 24, 2023, https://zambianobserver.com/prophet-uebert-angel-under-investigation-for-alleged-money-laundering-and-grand-theft/
• ZimEye, “Bushiri Hit By Hawks Investigation As Uebert Angel ‘Says I’ve Just Bought A Hotel In France,’” April 3, 2018, https://www.zimeye.net/2018/04/03/bushiri-hit-by-hawks-investigation-as-uebert-angel-says-ive-just-bought-a-hotel-in-france/
• Daily Post Nigeria, “Self-acclaimed prophet, Uebert Angel implicated in undercover money laundering investigation,” March 24, 2023, https://dailypost.ng/2023/03/24/self-acclaimed-prophet-uebert-angel-implicated-in-undercover-money-laundering-investigation/
• Cybercriminal, “Investigation: Uebert Angel,” accessed 2023, https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/uebert-angel
• X Post by @AJIunit, March 24, 2023, describing Uebert Angel’s involvement in Gold Mafia
• X Post by @PacheduZW, March 26, 2023, calling for UK investigation into Angel’s financial activities