POLICE STATEMENT: ANOTHER CARTEL IN CYBER CRIMES ARRESTED
….Theft and Unlawful Access to Data case, Kabwata Police Station Investigation Leads to Arrest of Suspected Cartel in Cyber crimes.
April 13, 2024
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 Mr. Nachi Musonda, aged 38, residing in Silverest, Lusaka. Mr. 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=00. Additionally, the perpetrators fraudulently accessed his banking accounts through the stolen devices.
They proceeded to transfer funds from Mr. Musonda’s accounts to their own, with the following amounts recorded:
- ZANACO Account: K175,251.35
- FNB Account: K143,000=00
- Airtel Mobile Money: K9,995=99
- MTN Mobile Account: K23,000=00
The total amount stolen amounted to K421, 907=34. These criminal activities transpired between the Chipata and Lusaka Districts, spanning the period from the 23rd to the 26th of February 2024.
Prompt investigations were launched into the matter, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects:
- Mr. Adrian Hantobolo Mungaila, aged 30, of Makeni Villa
- Mr. Cephas Musonda, aged 27, of Garden House, Lusaka
- Mr. Bernard Musonda, aged 32, of Garden House, Lusaka
During the arrest, we recovered several items believed to have been utilized in the commission of the crimes, including:
- 75 MTN SIM cards
- 35 Zamtel SIM cards
- 201 Airtel SIM cards
- A Wiccoo cell phone
- An Itel cell phone
- A Techno Camon cell phone
- A Samsung cell phone
- A 1 Techno Spark cell phone
These seized items are 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.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further details surrounding this criminal network.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
We need cyber policing rather than leaving everything to zicta
Please keep it up. Job well done. There are still many out there. I’m still receiving messages from these criminals.
Great job, Zambia Police. This success after another recent one is very good news. No doubt the suspects will lead you to other criminals.