Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz has claimed members of his own management team and inner circle attempted to defraud him of more than KSh197 million ($1.5 million) during the purchase of a private jet and a helicopter.
Speaking in an interview with Wasafi FM, the 36-year-old singer, whose real name is Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack, alleged that more than TSh4 billion disappeared during the aircraft acquisition process.
According to Diamond, he became suspicious after noticing irregularities in the transaction and decided to investigate.
"I started doing the calculations from both a business and artistic perspective and realised something wasn't right. I kept asking what was going on, but I wasn't getting clear answers. That's when I contacted the Minister for Transport, who connected me with Johari, an official handling aviation matters. He explained that there was foul play," he said.
Diamond alleged that some of his assistants and team members conspired to siphon funds intended for the purchases, prompting him to report the matter to authorities.
He claimed police investigations supported his allegations, identifying people close to him as being involved in the alleged embezzlement.
According to the singer, authorities have since begun efforts to recover the missing funds, with legal proceedings ongoing.
Despite the alleged fraud and breach of trust, Diamond said he remains determined to buy the aircraft.
"I had to turn to prayer and fasting so I could let go of everything that happened," he said.
He described the incident as a painful but valuable lesson, saying it reinforced the importance of closely monitoring major financial transactions and maintaining strict oversight of trusted employees.
The revelations sparked widespread discussion online.
One user, @olwatch, wrote: "No amount of fasting could help me get over losing $1.2 million, especially if it was stolen by people I trusted."
Another, @Socrates, quoted a Swahili proverb: "Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako," meaning the greatest danger often comes from those closest to you.