Five nabbed for running illegal pay scheme
MBEYA: POLICE in Mbeya have nabbed five people working at LBL Mbeya Media Limited for allegedly running an illegal online pay-to-click scheme.
The suspects include Gerald Masanya (31), the company’s manager and a resident of Nsalaga, Saphina Mwamwezi (23), a secretary from Ituha, Edda William (29) from Uwanja wa Ndege wa Zamani, Yohana Mkinda (29) from Tukuyu and Macrine Sinkala (23) from Nsalaga in Mbeya region.
According to a statement released by the Acting Regional Police Commander on Thursday, authorities launched an investigation after receiving reports about the company’s illegal activities.
Working alongside officials from the Bank of Tanzania’s ( BoT) Mbeya branch, police tracked down the suspects and arrested them at the company’s offices in Mwanjelwa, near the “Vunja Bei” clothing store.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the company had been collecting money from the public without following legal procedures. Customers were required to deposit amounts ranging from 50,000/- to 540,000/- after receiving special links, with a promise of financial returns for watching online advertisements for movies” the statement explained.
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Meanwhile, the Kyela District Court has sentenced Owen Mwambera (20), a resident of Matenki Border, to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking.
The ruling, delivered on February 17, 2025, by Judge Andrew Njau (SRM) and prosecuted by Assistant Inspector Bihemo Mayengela, found Mwambera guilty of possessing and transporting 7.06 kilograms of cannabis.
According to the statement, Mwambera was arrested on July 12, 2024, at the Mafiga agricultural tax checkpoint in Kyela while attempting to smuggle the drugs to Mbeya City.
The Mbeya Regional Police have issued a strong warning against online fraud, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities emphasizing that the police will take strict action against anyone involved in such operations.
“The Mbeya Police warn anyone considering engaging in these types of scams to stop immediately. If they continue, we will reach them wherever they are, arrest them, and ensure they are taken to court,” the statement continued.
The Police also advised citizens to avoid illegal businesses and engage in lawful means of earning income.
“We encourage the public to participate in legitimate businesses that offer honest income. It is important to resolve conflicts and challenges peacefully and legally, rather than resorting to vigilante justice,” the police said.
