Polish national linked to scam yet to face justice in Zanzibar

Unguja. In February 2022, Polish national Wojteck Zabinski shocked the hospitality industry by announcing the closure of his Pilipili hotel chain in Zanzibar.

Many were baffled by the news, as the chain was frequently fully booked and popular with visitors.

An investigation by The Citizen uncovered that the closure left behind hundreds of millions in unpaid salaries to over 726 employees, as well as outstanding taxes and debts to numerous suppliers.

The worst hit was perhaps the Zanzibar government whom sources claim Zabisnki owed over $500,000 in unpaid taxes.

The Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (Zaeca) intervened and arrested Zabinski, now referred to as the "King of Zanzibar."

According to a Zaeca source, “Zaeca seized almost all of his assets. To our surprise, a hotel chain that hosted hundreds of visitors weekly had almost no money in its bank accounts.”

Faced with high stakes and limited options, Zaeca had three choices: let Zabinski leave Zanzibar to face fraud charges in Poland, detain him and charge him with economic crimes, or allow him to continue operations while addressing his debts.

The source added that neither of the first two options seemed viable. “If we detained him and initiated legal proceedings, the workers and suppliers would remain unpaid,” they explained.

Consequently, Zaeca, in collaboration with Zabinski, began raising funds through the sale of his properties to pay off the millions owed to workers.

Payments were made in installments, with the third instalment provided on November 19, 2022. Most workers received only their basic salaries, and many are still awaiting full compensation.

 Many hotels, previously owned by Zabinski, have been reclaimed by their original owners.

A video on Zaeca’s YouTube channel shows workers receiving their payments under the supervision of an official Nasser A Hajji, who called on hotel owners to respect workers' rights.

The 22 managers and their assistants from Kenya, Uganda, and Mainland Tanzania, who had left their jobs for the Pilipili venture, were particularly most affected.

 Many had signed lucrative contracts but ended up unpaid, with some still waiting for their compensation.

Suppliers are also still waiting for payment, with recent disbursements made to those owed between Sh1-8 million.

 “From the proceeds of his three operational hotels, Zabinski makes weekly deposits in South Unguja, where the case was filed,” the source noted.

Despite the ongoing financial issues, visitors continue to flock to Zanzibar, including many from Poland who were promised a paradise that never materialised.

Recently, Zabinski attempted to buy a hotel in Paje, which is now under surveillance.

While Zabinski remains at liberty to roam the streets of Stone Town and resides in Mbweni, Unguja, he could still face criminal charges in Zanzibar, including tax evasion and money laundering.

“His case has yet to reach the Director of Public Prosecutions, but he remains under constant surveillance,” the source added.

The King of Zanzibar Documentary

The documentary series ‘The King of Zanzibar’ delves into how Wojciech Zabinski, known as "Wojtek in Zanzibar" on social media, launched the Pili Pili hotel network during the pandemic, only to defraud over 250 people of millions.

 The three-part series reveals the plight of those who fell victim to his schemes, including tourists, employees, and investors who were scammed out of 7 million Polish zloty.