CIO boss Mangwanya, Minister Machakaire impersonated in Zimbabwe's Cross-Border fraud scheme

Zimbabweans are being warned to remain on high alert as a highly organised scam ring continues to impersonate prominent government and business figures in an elaborate scheme to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

Authorities say the latest wave of deception has seen the names of high-profile individuals - including Croco Motors executive Moses Chingwena, Deputy Minister of Youth Tino Machakaire, businessman Scott Sakupwanya, and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Fulton Mangwanya - being exploited by con artists in fake financial transactions.

The scam, which has evolved over several years, typically involves fraudsters posing as one of these well-known personalities. Victims are contacted via phone or WhatsApp and persuaded to transfer money to a South African FNB account under the pretense of facilitating a temporary transaction. The scammers promise that the funds will be reimbursed in US dollars upon collection in Harare - a promise that never materialises.

Law enforcement sources confirmed that while some members of the network have been arrested, others remain on the run. Investigators believe the syndicate operates across borders, using advanced digital tools to mask their identities and track potential targets.

A security expert described the trend as "a coordinated impersonation racket exploiting public trust and economic vulnerability." The expert added:

"These criminals meticulously study the public profiles of influential people and weaponise that credibility to manipulate victims. It's not just financial fraud - it's psychological exploitation."

The scam has caused reputational damage to those being impersonated. Recent false social media claims suggested CIO Director-General Fulton Mangwanya had personally fallen victim to the con. Authorities have since dismissed that story as fake, clarifying that Mangwanya was not a victim and that those misusing his name have already been apprehended by South African police.

Both Deputy Minister Tino Machakaire and businessman Scott Sakupwanya have also had their names repeatedly used in similar scams targeting businesspeople and service providers.

Law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to remain vigilant, double-check any communication purporting to come from public figures, and report suspicious activity before sending money.

"No genuine businessperson or government official will ask strangers to deposit funds into foreign accounts," warned a police spokesperson. "If anyone claims to represent a public figure and requests payment, verify through official channels or contact the police immediately."

As online and cross-border scams become increasingly sophisticated, authorities are advising the public to approach all unsolicited financial requests with skepticism - no matter whose name appears on the message.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterated its commitment to dismantling the syndicate and has urged anyone with information to assist in ongoing investigations.