Tanzania anti-corruption body says uncovered 21 major cases

Dar es Salaam. The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has uncovered 21 cases of grand corruption that involve embezzlement of the public funds.

 The agency’s director general, Mr Salum Hamduni, revealed the findings during the presentation of the PCCB report for the year 2022/2023 before President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma.

The cases were detected after investigating 900 files, he said.

Among the cases, Mr Hamduni pointed out the failure of the Dar es Salaam City Council to deposit Sh8.9 billion collected through the POS cash collection machine to the bank, with suspects resorting to document forgery in an attempt to conceal their actions.

Further investigations uncovered the misappropriation of Sh4 billion from collections by entities such as the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), and the Tanzania Tourist Board.

Mr Hamduni also disclosed inquiries into fraudulent activities, including fictitious flights abroad, which resulted in a loss of Sh1.3 billion to the NCAA.

“We have examined cases such as the misappropriation of Sh14 billion by the Dar es Salaam Transportation Agency (UDA) and the illegal leasing of UDA warehouses, resulting in a government loss of Sh20.5 billion. Investigations also revealed the mismanagement of funds at the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Company (UDART), amounting to a government loss of Sh3.29 billion,” he said.

Moreover, Mr Hamduni mentioned scrutinizing procurement irregularities at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and the misappropriation of funds at the Kigoma Port, where Sh1.6 billion was diverted. He highlighted diversions totaling Sh7.9 billion from development banks and programmes aimed at rural development.

Addressing the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, Mr Hamduni noted that 375 files indicated corruption or criminal activities, with 114 lawsuits filed and 40 cases won.

Further actions included investigating reports from the Uhuru Torch Race leader, concluding 12 cases, with one suspect convicted and others under investigation.

In terms of new cases, 600 were filed, with 336 defendants found guilty out of 496 cases judged. Collaborating with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, PCCB froze assets suspected to have been acquired through corruption, including various properties.

Through their efforts, PCCB saved Sh87.59 billion in the fiscal year, recovering funds from various sectors such as telecommunications and energy. They also retrieved misappropriated funds belonging to councils and cooperative societies, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Additionally, PCCB scrutinized fuel stations for compliance, highlighting concerns over permits and safety, with recommendations forwarded to relevant ministries and authorities.