Police in Mbeya have arrested seven people accused of orchestrating a fraudulent employment scheme that allegedly collected more than TZS81 million from desperate job seekers after promising them lucrative opportunities within and outside Tanzania.
The suspects are accused of targeting youths from different regions through promises of jobs linked to companies identified as Q Net and Global Alliance.
Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said the suspects were arrested on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during a police operation carried out in several parts of the city.
Investigators say the group persuaded victims to pay between TZS40,000 and TZS5 million as registration and processing fees for the purported jobs.
According to police, more than 80 youths fell into the trap and were later accommodated in various rented houses in Iwambi, Shewa, Isyesye and Iyunga areas in Mbeya City while waiting for the promised opportunities.
“The suspects used deceptive tactics to recruit youths from different regions and bring them to Mbeya under the guise of offering employment opportunities,” Mr Kuzaga said.
He added that many of the victims ended up living in difficult conditions after exhausting their savings in pursuit of the promised jobs.
The suspects were named as William Hamis, Tyson Lubida, Onesmo Haldphonce, Charles Masanja, Chemka Mwanyanga, Gracia Ephrahim, all residents of Mbeya City, and Ezekiel Mgogo from Igunga District in Tabora Region.
Police have warned members of the public, particularly young job seekers, against paying money in exchange for employment opportunities, insisting that legitimate recruitment processes do not require upfront payments.
Mr Kuzaga urged wananchi to use official employment channels and promptly report suspected fraudsters to security agencies.
