Two additional suspects accused of defrauding thousands of unsuspecting Zimbabweans of over US$1 million through the E-creator Ponzi scheme have been granted bail of US$1,000 each.
Abraham Mutambu and Justin Kuchekenya are the new bail recipients.
Due to altered circumstances, their release was allowed, granting them freedom in the wake of Trymore Tapfumaneyi, their co-accused, receiving bail recently.
Zhao Jiatong, a Chinese national, is the alleged plot mastermind who is still being held prisoner.
When the four first appeared before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa in July of last year, they were not granted bail.
Investors were lured in by the E-Creator scam with promises of rapid returns through positive ratings on international e-commerce platforms.
Court records state that Jiatong came up with a plot in January to use an internet Ponzi scheme for investments to swindle citizens of Zimbabwe.
On February 7, 2021, Jiatong registered E-Creator Electronic Commerce Private Limited with the Zimbabwean Registrar of Companies, working with Tapfumaneyi, Kuchekenya, Syedou Bily Thomas, and Mutambu. The company’s offices were located at Harare’s Joina City Building’s rooms 15 and 16, which are on the tenth floor.
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The accused allegedly deceived Zimbabwean nationals into investing with the company between February 2023 and July of that same year by promising them sizable monthly earnings based on the amount of money they invested.
The accused, according to the prosecution, also used social media, Zimbabwean Television (TV), and well-known individuals like Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa (Madam Boss) and Admire Mushambi (Mama Vee) to promote the company and draw in new customers.
To further publicize the plan, the accused also hired operatives in several large cities and towns.
