After Putin’s arrest, Malawi cops nab ‘Merchant of Death’: Christian ‘Entwan’ arrested over alleged arms dealing

…From fashion to firearms: Entwan, the fashion designer-cum-socialite, is now accused of doubling as an illegal arms dealer.

Barely days after the arrest of ‘Putin’ in Blantyre, Malawi Police have arrested another man whose alleged activities invite comparison with an internationally infamous figure — this time, an alleged arms dealer.

Lilongwe Police arrested 31-year-old Christian Ndovi, popularly known as Entwan, following an intelligence-led operation that uncovered pistols, ammunition, pellets and military clothing.

According to Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Sergeant Khumbo Sanyiwa, detectives acted on information from members of the public that Ndovi was allegedly involved in the illegal firearms trade and was keeping firearms at his home.

Police obtained a court warrant and searched the suspect’s residence, where they recovered two blank pistols, 61 blank 9mm calibre bullets and a container containing pellets.

He was arrested at around 11am on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Area 15, Lilongwe, on allegations of unlawfully importing, possessing and dealing in firearms.

Ndovi: arrested

Sanyiwa said further investigations revealed that Ndovi had allegedly sold two other pistols to people in Area 43.

Police subsequently tracked down the alleged buyers and recovered one blank pistol, one pellet pistol and five blank 9mm calibre bullets.

A pair of military trousers was also seized from Ndovi.

The allegations have earned Ndovi comparisons with notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, famously dubbed the “Merchant of Death” for his international arms-trafficking activities. However, the scale and nature of the allegations against Ndovi are dramatically different.

The suspect is expected to appear in court to answer charges of unlawful importation, possession and dealing in firearms.

Entwan is a well-known fashion designer and socialite in Malawi’s entertainment circles. He hails from Mwandovi Village, Traditional Authority Wasambo, in Karonga District.