Court denies release for former LAM Mozambique executives held over fraud case

A Maputo court has again turned down requests to release a group of former LAM Mozambique Airlines executives held in pretrial detention since February 2026. They are accused of misappropriating large sums of money from the state-owned carrier.

Among those detained is João Pó Jorge, the airline's former chief executive, who faces 31 counts. Prosecutors say he was involved in the sale of an Embraer 190 aircraft at below its market value. His defence disputes that claim and wants further investigation before the case moves forward.

The proceedings are unfolding as the airline goes through restructuring. LAM now operates under the Air Mozambique brand, though the court ruling did not address details of that transition.

No timeline has been set for when the detained former managers might stand trial, or when they might get another chance to seek release. The case remains open, and the defence continues to contest the prosecution's account of the aircraft sale.