Tanzanian businessman caught in rice scam

Mlengela Anastazi, director of Bolstfern Investment and his 50 employees were arrested and detained at Harare Central Police Station.
Inspector James Sabau confirmed the arrests.
“We received a complaint from Ayan Trading of counterfeit Arroz Mariana rice of 25kgs made by the accused and being sold at US$18,50.

“It is fraud to the customer who is paying full price for good quality rice, while Anastazi’s actions spoil the image of Ayan Trading brand and business,” Insp Sabau said.
They were arrested after the police set a trap when they pretended to be customers and placed an order for 30 tonnes of rice worth US$12 500.
The police officers then went to the premises to collect their order and discovered Anastazi’s employees packing the rice.

The employees were immediately arrested, while it was also discovered that the bags were underweight.
Instead of weighing 25kgs, they weighed 21kgs.

Insp Sabau urged the public to be discerning when buying goods and to help the police arrest bogus business people.
“Such business practices if they go unchecked can ruin the country’s economy.

“I am disturbed that foreigners come in as business people and engage in practices that rip off locals,” he said.
The 51 suspects are expected to appear in court soon.