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Dar es Salaam. A man charged with swindling Chinese investors out of 1.6 billion shillings has been apprehended in Uganda and sent back to Tanzania following almost three years of evading capture, according to the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).

On Friday, May 22, 2026, at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Mr. Christian Nyakizee, Director of Kinondoni PCCB, announced the arrest of Stephane Ngoie, who had been sought since 2023.

Mr. Nyakizee mentioned that the individual, who is also accused of using the alias Thomas Maweja, was taken into custody in Entebbe in April 2026, as a result of joint intelligence operations conducted by Tanzanian officials and the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol).

He mentioned that the suspect is one of seven individuals charged in Criminal Case No. 12/2023, which is currently being heard at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, and they are accused of forgery, acquiring funds through deception, and money laundering.

As per PCCB, the individuals accused are said to have deceived a Shanghai-based Chinese company out of $678,810 (Sh1.6 billion) via Steca Export Company Limited.

The group is reported to have stated that they were selling 110 tonnes of copper to a Chinese company.

However, rather than providing the copper as promised, they are said to have sent five containers containing empty used beverage bottles.

Additionally, Mr. Nyakizee mentioned that investigations revealed the crime occurred in 2022, following which the suspects were taken to court, but Mr. Ngoie left Tanzania in May 2023 to avoid being arrested and prosecuted.

He mentioned that a synchronized global effort was initiated, with law enforcement officers following the suspect through multiple nations such as Uganda, Kenya, Turkey, and China, until he was ultimately found and taken into custody in Entebbe.

As stated by Mr Nyakizee, Mr Ngoie is a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo and will be presented in court to be combined with his fellow accused after all legal processes are finalized.

He emphasized that no suspect would be secure anywhere globally, noting that Tanzanian officials will keep chasing fugitives inside and beyond the nation.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).