Five Arrested in Connection With Online Fraud in Mbeya
Five suspects, including LBL Manager Gerald Masanya, arrested in Mbeya for illegal online fraud involving fake investment schemes.
Police Arrest Five, Including LBL Manager, Over Online Fraud Scheme
Mbeya, Tanzania - February 20, 2025
The Mbeya Police Department has apprehended five suspects, including 31-year-old Gerald Masanya, the manager of LBL Company, in connection with an illicit online investment scam. The operation, which ran without any legal authorization, is in direct violation of Tanzanian law.
According to ACP Wilbert, the Acting Police Commander of Mbeya Region, the police initiated an investigation upon receiving credible information regarding LBL Mbeya Media Limited's involvement in fraudulent online schemes. Working in cooperation with officials from the Bank of Tanzania’s Mbeya branch and other agencies, police traced the suspects to the Mwanjelwa area, where they were subsequently arrested.
The suspects, identified as Gerald Masanya (31), the LBL Mbeya Manager from Nsalaga, Saphina Mwamwezi (23), a secretary from Ituha, Edda William (29) from the former Zamani Airport area, Yohana Mkinda (29) from Tukuyu, and Macrine Sinkala (23), have been linked to an extensive online fraud operation.
The accused individuals used the company’s platform to engage in a pyramid-like investment scheme, where customers were sent special links to join online. Participants were then required to pay between TZS 50,000 and TZS 540,000, with promises of returns after viewing various "movies" on the platform. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full extent of the fraudulent activities, with a focus on preventing similar scams in the future.
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