Zambia Uncovers 'Sophisticated' Chinese Cybercrime Syndicate in Major Raid

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Zambian authorities have arrested 77 individuals, including 22 Chinese nationals, following the discovery of a sophisticated internet fraud syndicate. The operation targeted Golden Top Support Services, a Chinese-run company suspected of orchestrating extensive online fraud schemes.

The raid, led by Zambia's Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) with assistance from police, immigration officials, and the anti-terrorism unit, took place in Roma, a posh suburb of the capital, Lusaka. This action comes after months of detailed intelligence work by these agencies, spurred by an alarming increase in internet fraud cases across the country.

DEC Director General Nason Banda hailed the operation as a "significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime." He revealed that the company allegedly recruited young Zambians under the guise of employment as call-center agents. These individuals, aged between 20 and 25, were reportedly tasked with conducting deceptive conversations with mobile users over various platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and online chatrooms.

During the raid, law enforcement officials seized 11 Sim boxes and more than 13,000 Sim cards. Sim boxes are devices capable of routing calls in a manner that avoids detection by legitimate phone networks, often used in internet fraud and online scams. The substantial number of both domestic and international Sim cards highlights the extensive reach of the operation.

According to Mr. Banda, the operation's illicit activities extended beyond Zambian borders, affecting individuals in countries like Singapore, Peru, the UAE, and several African nations. Victims of these schemes have suffered significant financial losses due to sophisticated money-laundering operations linked to the syndicate.

Authorities also confiscated two firearms, about 78 rounds of ammunition, and two vehicles owned by a Chinese national associated with the company. This evidence points to the potential for more severe criminal activities connected with the cybercrime operations.

The Zambian nationals involved have been charged and released on bail to aid further investigations, while the foreign nationals, including the 22 Chinese and one Cameroonian, remain in custody.

This case underscores the growing challenge of cybercrime in Zambia and highlights the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to combat these transnational cybercriminal networks effectively.