A Zambian court has sentenced 22 Chinese nationals to long prison terms for their involvement in a multinational cybercrime operation that targeted individuals in Zambia, Singapore, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates. The sentences range from seven to eleven years of imprisonment. In addition to their prison terms, the defendants were fined amounts between $1,500 and $3,000.
The individuals pleaded guilty to charges that included computer-related misrepresentation, identity fraud, and illegally operating a network or service. A Cameroonian national involved in the same criminal activities was also sentenced and fined.
These sentences are the result of a broader crackdown on a sophisticated internet fraud syndicate. In April, Zambian authorities arrested a total of 77 individuals, mostly Zambians, during a raid on a Chinese-run business in an upscale Lusaka suburb. Authorities seized over 13,000 local and foreign mobile phone SIM cards, two firearms, and 78 rounds of ammunition.
The investigation started following a noticeable increase in cyber-related fraud cases. Many victims reported unexplained losses from their mobile phones or bank accounts, prompting a comprehensive probe.
Original Source: https://apnews.com/article/zambia-chinese-nationals-jailed-cybercrimes-f0e1dec5c4a08a23c270c469f70f8557
Cyber Law and Cybercrime Investigation Blog: Immuniweb