Nicole Berry Faces Growing Fraud Allegations

Increased Number of Claims and Amount of Money Involved in Nicole's Fraud Case

Dar es Salaam, March 7, 2025

The police in Dar es Salaam have reported a significant increase in the number of victims and the sum of money involved in the fraud case against actress Joy Mbaga, better known as Nicole Berry. Nicole has been in police custody at the Oysterbay Police Station in Kinondoni since March 3, 2025, following accusations of fraud. She is alleged to have been operating a fraudulent scheme through social media platforms, deceiving people into participating in investment scams.

Speaking at a press conference on March 7, 2025, Dar es Salaam Regional Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed that the number of complainants against Nicole has grown. "Several more individuals have come forward to report how the suspect managed to fraudulently obtain money from them. However, as per the law, we will take her to court as soon as possible," he said.

Nicole, who is also a businesswoman, is accused of defrauding more than 100 million Tanzanian shillings.

Commander Muliro explained that the actress, aged 32, was arrested on March 3, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to Lagos, Nigeria, at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA). "She has been involved in a variety of fraudulent activities, including running illegal pyramid schemes on social media. She creates fake groups, misleading people into thinking they can make money quickly. These groups falsely show large numbers of people as recipients, luring in new victims,” Muliro added.

He explained that the scams often promise victims large returns, such as millions of shillings, by making initial payments into the fraudulent schemes. However, these groups, according to the police, were all fraudulent in nature.

The police confirmed that more than 18 people have already filed complaints at the Oysterbay Police Station regarding Nicole's fraudulent activities.

In a broader crackdown, the police, in collaboration with other legal authorities such as the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), have arrested 25 individuals involved in cybercrimes across Dar es Salaam and other regions. These individuals are accused of leading online criminal groups, using unregistered SIM cards, altering phone identification numbers (IMEI), defrauding pensioners by pretending to be pension fund officers, and money laundering.

Among the arrested suspects are Kelvin Sauro, a resident of Ifakara, and his 14 accomplices. "The suspects have been sending fraudulent messages, instructing people to send money to various numbers or provide their NIDA identification numbers for assistance with pension issues," said Commander Muliro.

Additionally, Enrigue Adolph Ngagani and four others from Sinza, Dar es Salaam, have been detained for allegedly running TikTok accounts used to spread harmful content and exploit people through artificial intelligence (AI) programs.

Commander Muliro further disclosed that Baruani Majani, a resident of Kahororo in Kagera, and his four accomplices are suspected of defrauding pensioners by pretending to be employees of a pension fund and offering to help with pension issues.

Authorities seized a variety of electronic devices from the suspects, including 10 smartphones, 26 feature phones, 84 unregistered SIM cards, two memory cards, a laptop, two SIM card registration machines, a car, and a key, all believed to be connected to their criminal activities.

Some of the suspects have already been brought before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court, while others are still undergoing legal procedures before facing court.

Commander Muliro urged the public to follow online usage laws and regulations, advising them to avoid sharing personal identification information, such as NIDA numbers, with strangers.

"The police are issuing a stern warning to all those involved in cybercrimes and other illegal activities. These individuals will face strict legal consequences," Muliro stated.