Simon Rudland, a well-known Zimbabwean business magnate, has achieved tremendous success in logistics, finance, and agriculture. He also co-founded Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation (GLTC). Let’s look into Simon Rudland Net Worth, early years, career, personal life and controversies surrounding him.

Simon Rudland Net Worth

Early Years

Simon George Wilburn Rudland was born in Zimbabwe. His early life and schooling are likewise not extensively documented, but it is apparent that he hailed from an affluent household and received a good education.

His family, the prominent Rudlands, has commercial holdings in several Southern African countries. Adrienne, Simon’s mother, is a businesswoman who owns Braemar, a corporation in the United Arab Emirates. His brother, Hamish Rudland, has been his business partner in a number of businesses.

Career

Simon co-founded Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation (GLTC), a multinational company that manufactures and distributes the Rudland & George (RG) cigarette brand. His estimated net worth is $98 million.
In 1995, Simon and Hamish founded Pioneer Transport. It eventually became Pioneer Corporation Africa (PAC) after acquiring companies such as Unifreight, Bulwark, and Clan.

The Rudland brothers made large investments on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, including the CFI agriculture company and Zimre.

Personal Life

Simon previously married Leigh-Ann Patricia Schieman. The pair married in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1992 and divorced in 2014. Patricia accused Simon of cheating and fleeing their marital home.
Simon and Patricia have three kids named Emma, Hannah, and Sarah.

Simon has been the target of an assassination attempt in the past, which he survived.

Controversies

Simon was implicated in an Al Jazeera exposé in March 2023 about Zimbabwe’s illegal gold trade and money laundering.

In 2006, South Africa’s Scorpions raided Simon’s logistics company, Mavambo, on charges of illegal cigarette sales and tax evasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simon Rudland

1. Who is Simon Rudland?

Rudland is a Zimbabwean businessman and entrepreneur.

2. What is Simon Rudland’s net worth?

Simon Rudland’s net worth is around $98 million.

3. What companies does Simon Rudland own?

Rudland co-owns Gold Leaf Tobacco, one of the largest cigarette manufacturers in South Africa.

4. What are Rudland’s business interests?

Rudland’s business interests include tobacco, mining, and real estate.

5. What allegations has Simon Rudland faced?

In 2022, the South African Revenue Service accused Rudland’s company of selling illicit cigarettes and evading taxes. However, his involvement extends beyond that, including money laundering and gold smuggling schemes.

6. How does Simon Rudland’s money laundering network operate?

Rudland set up an elaborate network involving Sasfin banking officials to move at least R3 billion in smuggled cigarette money.

7. Is Simon Rudland married?

Rudland is Divorced.

8. Does Rudland have children?

Rudland has 3 children.

9. What role does Dubai play in Rudland’s operations?

A company called Aulion in Dubai buys Zimbabwean gold using Rudland’s unaccounted cash, allowing him to hide millions of dollars.

10. Has Rudland faced any threats?

In 2019, there was an attempted assassination, but the culprits were never caught.

Conclusion

Rudland is a controversial businessman with a complex legacy. While he has made significant contributions to the business world, his dealings have been marred by controversy and accusations of criminal activity.