KINONDONI Resident Magistrate’s Court is set to commence the hearing of allegedly a fraud case on July 23, 2025, involving three engineers and a tour guide accused of orchestrating a sophisticated financial scam that defrauded public and private institutions of over 300m/-.

The accused are  as Faustine Malya (44), a resident of Salasala; Emiliani Kimaro (35) of Kibaha; Nelson Jacob (32) from Kimara Mwisho; and Tumaini Mollel (30), a tour guide from Kiseke, Mwanza Region.

According to court documents, the four are charged with multiple counts of fraud, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence. The offences are alleged to have occurred between November 5, 2021, and April 14, 2023, across different locations in Dar es Salaam.

State Attorney Janeth Kimambo told the court that the accused illegally obtained funds from a range of institutions, including National Housing Corporation (NHC) – Mtwara Branch, Tanga City Council, Skyline Properties Ltd, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Camel Oil Company.

The suspects allegedly manipulated banking details associated with Sec East African Ltd, a company contracted to install elevators in several buildings. By forging official documents and falsifying signatures of key company executives, including managing director Tian Chun, marketing director Ntuli Mwankusye, and  an accountant, Gabriel Makundi. The accused are allegedly   to have diverted project payments into their personal bank accounts.

During a session held last week, three of the four accused appeared before Magistrate Adefu Sachore, while the first accused, Faustine Malya, was absent due to attending another case at the High Court. The court noted that the matter could not proceed as the presiding magistrate, Amos Rweikiza, was absent due to an emergency.

The case was subsequently adjourned to July 23, 2025, for hearing.

The prosecution has already amended the charge sheet to reflect the expanded scope of the offences, highlighting the complexity and scale of the alleged fraud. Investigations revealed that the accused created fraudulent account details, then contacted clients of Sec East African Ltd, instructing them to deposit payments into the fake accounts.

“This is a serious matter involving the abuse of trust and deception that cost institutions millions. Legal proceedings will ensure justice is served,” said a source close to the investigation.

The accused remain out on bail, but face stiff penalties if convicted, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of illegally acquired assets.

The case has attracted public attention due to the high-profile nature of the victims and the technical sophistication of the scam — a rare example of white-collar crime involving multiple government entities and registered private companies.