Twenty-Two Chinese Nationals Plead Guilty to Cyber-Related Crimes in Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia — Twenty-two Chinese nationals have pleaded guilty to charges of cyber-related crimes in Zambia, following a major crackdown on an alleged sophisticated internet fraud syndicate. The group is among 77 suspects apprehended in April during a raid on a Chinese-run company in the capital, Lusaka.

The operation, targeting the company Golden Top Support Services located in the Roma suburb, was prompted by a surge in internet fraud cases affecting individuals worldwide. The suspects are due for sentencing on Friday, local media reports.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) revealed that Zambians have increasingly fallen victim to financial scams, losing money from mobile and bank accounts in schemes extending to other foreign countries. The cyber fraud has impacted individuals in Singapore, Peru, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and various African nations.

During the arrests, dozens of young Zambians were detained for allegedly being recruited as call-center agents, involved in internet fraud and online scams. The DEC explained that these Zambians engaged in deceptive conversations with unsuspecting mobile users on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and chatrooms, using scripted dialogues.

Following a trial spanning several weeks, the 22 Chinese nationals, including one female, admitted to three charges: computer-related misrepresentation, identity-related crimes, and operating a network or service illegally. Additionally, a Cameroonian national was charged with manipulating online identities with intent to scam.

The accused held various roles within Golden Top Support Services, the company at the heart of the investigation. The company has yet to comment on the allegations. Li Xianlin, believed to be the company's director, faces charges for operating the network without a license from Zambian authorities.

On Tuesday, the state prosecutor requested the court to provide more detailed charges. Meanwhile, Zambian nationals involved in the case were charged in April and released on bail to assist with further investigations.

The raid uncovered significant evidence of the operation's scale, including devices for disguising caller locations and over 13,000 SIM cards, both local and foreign. Authorities also seized 11 SIM boxes, which can route calls across legitimate phone networks, two firearms, 78 rounds of ammunition, and two vehicles linked to the Chinese nationals involved.

This case highlights the growing concern over cyber-related crimes and the international reach of such fraudulent operations. The forthcoming sentencing will mark a crucial step in Zambia's efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its citizens from financial exploitation.