Four arrested in Lusaka over unauthorised data access, obtaining money by trick

Police in Lusaka have reportedly arrested four people in connection with unauthorised access to data.

Danny Mwale, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, said the four suspects have also been arrested for identity-related crimes and obtaining money by false pretenses.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Mwale said police had been receiving complaints from members of the public that their WhatsApp accounts were being hacked, leading to financial losses.

Investigations led to the arrest of four suspects, including two mobile money agents identified as Brian Bwalya Malama, 44, of Chelstone area, and Austin Malama, 36, of Obama area.

“Police have also arrested David Kabwe and Mwiya Machwani, both aged 32, of Lusaka’s Kamanga compound in connection with the same offences,” Mwale said.

He stated that the investigation revealed that victims’ WhatsApp accounts were compromised and taken over by the suspects.

Mwale said money was drawn from unsuspecting members of the public who believed they were chatting with known contacts.

“Police have discovered that the suspects use WhatsApp platforms such as LUNO and Bitcoin investment,” he stated.

Mwale appealed to members of the public who may have been swindled by individuals using names such as Anita Nkhuwa, Derrick Mulenga, and Mervis Sakala to report to any police station.

He advised the public to always confirm transactions using voice calls before engaging in any mobile transactions.

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