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An investigation by the Kabwata Police Station in Lusaka has led to the arrest of a suspected cartel that stole about K421, 907 through unlawful access to data.
During the arrest, Police recovered several items believed to have been utilised in committing the crimes, including 75 MTN SIM cards and 35 Zamtel SIM cards.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, in a statement issued in Lusaka said the money which was stolen belonged to Nachi Musonda, aged 38, residing in Silverest area.
Hamoonga said other items recovered were 201 Airtel SIM cards, a Wiccoo cell phone, an Itel cell phone, a Techno Camon cell phone and a Samsung cell phone.
He added that one Techno Spark cell phone was also recovered and the seized, which were suspected to have facilitated the criminals in their illicit activities.
“Further investigation revealed evidence suggesting the existence of a criminal cartel specializing in the theft of mobile phones and subsequent exploitation of personal data for financial gain,” Hamoonga stated.
He said the suspects are currently in police custody and investigations were ongoing to uncover further details surrounding this criminal network.
Hamoonga stated that on February 26, 2024, at 14:00 hours, the Kabwata Police Station, through the Maxwell Sibongo Police Post, received a report of theft and unlawful data access from Musonda.
“Musonda reported a theft and unlawful access to his data.According to Mr. Musonda, unknown criminals stole two of his mobile phones, an iPhone 15 Pro Max and an iPhone 14 Pro Max, collectively valued at K70, 000,” he said.
Hamoonga added that the perpetrators fraudulently accessed Musonda’s banking accounts through the stolen devices.
“They proceeded to transfer funds from Musonda’s accounts to their own, using the accounts namely ZANACO Account: K175,251.35, FNB Account: K143,000, Airtel Mobile Money: K9,995=99 and MTN Mobile Account: K23,000,” he said.
Hamoonga stated that the total amount stolen amounted to K421, 907=34.
He said the criminal activities transpired between the Chipata and Lusaka Districts, spanning the period from February, 23rd to the 26th, 2024.
“Prompt investigations were launched into the matter, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects as Adrian Hantobolo Mungaila, aged 30, of Makeni Villa, Cephas Musonda, aged 27, of Garden House, Lusaka and Bernard Musonda, aged 32, of Garden House, Lusaka,” Hamoonga stated.
Zambia Monitor reported on Tuesday that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime by arresting 77 suspects who include md Chinese nationals.
Among those apprehended were 50 males and 27 females from Zambia, along with 23 foreign nationals, predominantly 22 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian.
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