Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Court Correspondent
Eleven alleged hackers accused of defrauding EcoCash users by luring them with fake free data offers appeared before Harare Provincial Magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai over the weekend.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, face charges of hacking after reportedly stealing over US$61 000 from unsuspecting victims’ EcoCash accounts.
The suspects are Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo (20), Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze, Billy Zawe (21) and Dilan Macheka (22).
They were remanded in custody until today for their bail hearing. Thirty-one complainants are involved in the case.
According to the State, the accused conspired to exploit Econet Zimbabwe’s EcoCash platform, targeting victims through phishing schemes. Starting in November last year, the suspects allegedly sent fraudulent links to users, falsely claiming to offer free data bundles.
Victims who clicked on these links were directed to fake portals, where they were instructed to provide personal details, including their mobile numbers.
In a final deceptive move, the suspects would call the victims, requesting the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to their phones.
With the OTP, the hackers gained unauthorised access to the victims’ EcoCash accounts, transferring funds to accounts they controlled.
The court heard that on February 4, detectives used intelligence-led policing and financial tracing methods to arrest two of the suspects; Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo, at their residences.
A raid on the premises resulted in the recovery of five cellphones linked to the crimes, multiple Econet SIM cards and US$600 in cash.
Following this, police apprehended the other suspects in Chitungwiza based on information gathered during interviews of the two.
The additional arrests led to the recovery of more cellphones, SIM cards and Buddie lines associated with the fraudulent activities.
The total amount stolen through the scheme was about US$61 387.
