Nicole Berry fraud case: Police report surge in victims and lost funds

Dar es Salaam. Police in the Dar es Salaam Special Zone have reported a rise in both the number of individuals and the amount of money involved in the fraud case against actress Joy Mbaga, popularly known as Nicole Berry.

Ms Mbaga, who has been detained at Oysterbay Police Station in Kinondoni since March 3, 2025, is facing fraud charges, particularly allegations of running a scam through social media networks.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, March 7, 2025, Dar es Salaam, Special Zone Police Commander (DSZPC) Jumanne Muliro confirmed that the number of victims coming forward with complaints has increased.

“Several people continue to report how the suspect fraudulently obtained money from them. As for the court case, the police will present her as soon as possible, as per legal procedures,” said Commander Muliro.

Ms Mbaga, a businesswoman, is accused of defrauding victims of over Sh100 million.

In an interview with The Citizen’s sister paper Mwananchi, on Friday, March 5, 2025, Mr Muliro explained that the 32-year-old suspect was arrested while heading to Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) for a scheduled trip to Lagos, Nigeria.

“She is suspected of obtaining money through fraudulent means, including creating fake investment groups on social media to lure people,” said Mr Muliro.

“For instance, after an initial investment of one hundred thousand shillings, she would demonstrate returns to 48 people. You might be among the first, third, or tenth to receive a payout,” he added.

Additionally, the Dar es Salaam police chief said that in some cases, investors could receive up to Sh4 million in a short period. He emphasised that Ms Mbaga operated numerous such fraudulent groups, deceiving participants into believing they were making legitimate investments.

Commander Muliro confirmed that more than 18 people had filed complaints at Oysterbay Police Station.

In a separate development, Commander Muliro revealed that, in collaboration with legal authorities, including the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the Police Force had apprehended 25 individuals involved in cybercrimes across Dar es Salaam and other regions.

The suspects are accused of operating an online criminal network engaged in various offenses, including using unregistered phone lines, tampering with and altering phone IMEI numbers, fraudulently obtaining money, impersonating pension fund officials to scam retirees and engaging in money laundering.

Among those arrested was Kelvin Sauro, a resident of Ifakara, along with 14 of his associates.

“The suspects have been sending fraudulent messages, instructing people to transfer money for various reasons, such as tax payments or NIDA ID processing, falsely promising assistance with retirement benefits,” said Mr Muliro.

Additionally, Mr Enrigue Adolph Ngagani and four others from Sinza, Dar es Salaam, are in custody for allegedly using TikTok accounts to distribute AI-generated content that degrades individuals.

Another suspect, Mr Baruani Majani, a resident of Kahororo in Kagera Region, along with four accomplices, is accused of defrauding retirees by posing as pension fund employees offering assistance with retirement payments.

During the arrests, police confiscated various electronic devices linked to the criminal activities, including 10 smartphones, 26 regular phones, 84 SIM cards from various providers, two memory cards, one laptop, two SIM registration machines and one car and a key.

Commander Muliro stated that some suspects have already been presented at the Kisutu Resident Magistrates' Court, while others are undergoing legal procedures to be brought to trial.

He urged citizens to adhere to internet regulations and avoid sharing personal information, such as NIDA identification numbers, with strangers.

“The police issue a stern warning to all those involved in cybercrimes and other illegal activities. They will face strict legal consequences,” warned Commander Muliro.