By 
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime by arresting 77 suspects who include Chinese nationals.
Among those apprehended are 50 males and 27 females from Zambia, along with 23 foreign nationals, predominantly 22 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian.
DEC Public Relations Officer, Mwenge Mulenga, said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday.
Mulenga said following thorough intelligence operations, a raid was conducted on Golden Top Support Services, located in Roma, Lusaka, uncovering a sophisticated internet fraud syndicate.
He stated that during the operation, Sim Boxing Machines were discovered on-site, facilitating the bypassing of local service providers’ networks for fraudulent activities, including internet fraud and online scams.
“Notably, several foreign nationals were found to be residing in the country without proper documentation,” Mulenga said.
Mulenga stated 17 Zambian suspects were released, while 60, along with 22 Chinese male adults and one Cameroonian, were detained for further questioning.
“Seized items included 93 desktop computers, 42 new and boxed computers, one laptop, a satellite gadget, and other ICT-related equipment,” he said.
Mulenga added that over 13, 000 SIM cards, both domestic and international, were seized, underscoring the extent of the operation’s reach.
He stated that counting of these SIM cards was still in process but so far over 1,742 Vodafone SIM cards, over 7,778 MTN SIM cards and 4,016 Airtel SIM cards including 11 sim boxes had been counted.
“It was revealed that the organization employed unsuspecting Zambian youths aged between 20 and 25, mostly school leavers, under the impression that they shall work as call center agents,” Mulenga said.
He explained that they were tasked with engaging in deceptive conversations with unsuspecting mobile users across various platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, chatrooms and others, using scripted dialogues.
Read More: Drug Enforcement Commission nabs 4 suspects for drug trafficking
“The scope of their illicit operations extended beyond Zambia’s borders, with evidence indicating sophisticated mobile and internet communication with individuals in countries such as Singapore, Peru, UAE and others across the continent,” Mulenga said.
He added that two firearms, a Beretta and a sig suer, along with 78 rounds of ammunition, were also seized.
Mulenga said two motor vehicle including a black Alphard motor vehicle, registration number BAT 8373 and a Toyota Land cruiser, registration number BAE 5675 belonging to a Chinese national linked to the business, was seized.
“The DEC emphasizes the alarming rise in internet fraud cases, leading to substantial financial losses for citizens and contributing to various forms of money laundering schemes,” he stated.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments