Machines seized in fake documents scam

Dar es Salaam. Government has nabbed a number of electronic devices used for producing fake documents, including Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) receipts.

Head of Government Printing Department, Kassian Chibogoyo, said other dubious documents that have been impounded include residence permits for foreigners, motorcycle permits, secondary school and marriage certificates. Others are Kampala University certificates, police report forms, birth certificates and various government receipts and boxes of car insurance stickers that were being transported to Tanga.

Mr Chibogoyo said the operation coordinated by his office and police kicked off in the city but would soon be extended countrywide.

“It has come to our attention that alarmed by the ongoing operation in the city, some of these conmen are relocating their machines to other regions. But we will not stop until we make sure that all culprits, wherever they are hiding face the long arm of the law,” he said.

He stressed that, the issuing of illegal documents like fake receipts deny the government tax collections, which are crucial in financing the country’s development. “The best way to overcome this problem is for the relevant government institutions, administrators and regulators to ensure they verify all documents before transacting business or offering services.”

All machines which have been impounded will be nationalised as per the directive of the Government Notice Number 488 of 1999.