TRA drags two to court on tax evasion charges

Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has dragged at least two persons to court on forgery and tax evasion charges.

Mustapha Katelu and Salum Mkoko both employees of Naipanga Amcos, a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS) in Dar es Salaam, yesterday appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court charged with five counts including forgery and tax evasion.

Prosecution, led by State Attorney Janet Mwachurya from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) claimed before resident Magistrate Nyigulila Mwaseba that on June 2011 within the Dar es Salaam region, accused Kantelu, with intent to defraud submitted to the National Microfinance Bank (NMB) a false fund transfer request form purporting to show that one Salum Tewa had signed it a fact he knew to be false.

On the second count, Machullya alleged that on the same date and place, the accused did intentionally abuse his position in discharging his function by signing and authorising the false NMB fund transfer request form in the name of Salum Tewa for the payment of 43m/-.

The state attorney further alleged that on diverse days in the month of June 2008 within Ilala District, both accused Mkoko and Kantelu with intent to defraud again made and issued a forged document purporting to show that Asha Salum sold a vehicle (Fuso) registration number T 539 BJJ to Naipanga Amco for 8m/- knowing it was false.

On the fourth count it was alleged that on the same day, both accused knowingly and with intent to defraud their principal, used the motor vehicle sale agreement containing false information to mislead their Tax Officer.

On the last count, Machullya alleged that on diverse days again in June 2008, both accused knowingly made a false document and submitted it to TRA purporting to have sold the said motor vehicle a fact they knew to be false and by so doing managed to evade 330,000 in taxes.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded after failing to meet set bail conditions, to secure two sureties to sign a bond for 5m/-.

The Prosecution informed the court that the investigation into the case is still in progress, and the case was adjourned to April 17, this year when it comes up for mention. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN