in the form of (someone or something)
As represented or exemplified by a particular person or thing. France elected a new president in the form of Emmanuel Macron. The IRS is investigating whether the politician attempted to hide revenue in the form of campaign contributions.
in the shape/form of somebody/something
follows a general word and introduces a particular example of it: There was entertainment on the ship, in the form of a disco and a cinema.Help arrived in the shape of a policeman.