Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-04-11 00:08:17
Cybercrime has become a growing concern globally, and Zambia recently experienced a significant setback in this area thanks to a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and various law enforcement agencies. This operation, conducted under the leadership of an inter-agency framework agreement, involved the Zambia Police (ZP), Department of Immigration, and Anti-terrorism organizations working together to combat illicit cyber activities.
On April 9th, a raid was carried out on Golden Top Support Services in Roma, Lusaka, which unveiled a sophisticated internet fraud syndicate operating within the country. The raid exposed Sim Boxing Machines being used to bypass local service providers’ networks for fraudulent activities, including internet fraud and online scams.
During the operation, over 13,000 SIM cards, both domestic and international, were seized, including 1,742 Vodafone SIM cards, 7,778 MTN SIM cards, and 4,016 Airtel SIM cards, along with 11 sim boxes. This discovery highlighted the extensive network of illicit activities being carried out by the syndicate.
The organization was found to employ Zambian youths, mainly aged between 20 and 25, as call center agents who engaged in deceptive conversations across platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and chatrooms to defraud unsuspecting mobile users.
Moreover, evidence indicated that the syndicate’s operations extended beyond Zambia’s borders, with sophisticated mobile and internet communications with individuals in countries such as Singapore, Peru, and the UAE.
A total of 77 suspects were apprehended during the operation, consisting of 50 males and 27 females from Zambia, along with 23 foreign nationals, including 22 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian. Some of the foreign nationals were found to be residing in the country without proper documentation.
After the raid, 17 Zambian suspects were released, while 60 Zambians 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. Additionally, two firearms and 78 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, along with two motor vehicles linked to a Chinese national associated with the business.
The DEC emphasized the rise in internet fraud cases leading to financial losses for citizens and contributing to various money laundering schemes. As technology continues to advance, the Commission remains vigilant in combating cybercrime and protecting the interests of the Zambian populace.
The successful collaborative effort between the DEC and various law enforcement agencies in Zambia serves as a testament to the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating cybercrime and safeguarding the integrity of digital networks. It sends a strong message that illicit activities will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
