Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
ELEVEN alleged hackers accused of defrauding 31 Ecocash users by luring them with fake free data offers so they could hack into their accounts were yesterday denied bail by Harare provincial magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, face charges of hacking after reportedly stealing over $61 000 from the Ecocash accounts of those they managed to deceive.
The accused 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 to February 27 for routine remand.
There are 31 complainants involved in this matter.
According to the State, the gang conspired to exploit Econet Zimbabwe’s Ecocash platform, targeting victims through phishing schemes.
Starting in November last year, the gang allegedly sent fraudulent links to users, claiming to offer free data bundles.
Those who clicked on the links were directed to fake portals where they were instructed to provide personal details, including their mobile numbers.
At the final stage, the gang allegedly called victims, requesting the One-Time-Pin (OTP) sent to their phones. With the OTPs, the hackers gained unauthorised access to the victims’ Ecocash accounts and transferred funds to accounts under their control.
The court heard that on February 4 this year, detectives used intelligence-led policing and financial tracing methods to arrest two of the suspects, Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo, at their residence.
A raid at the premises resulted in the recovery of five cellphones linked to the crimes, multiple Econet SIM cards, and $600 in cash.
The following day, police apprehended the other suspects in Chitungwiza based on information gathered during interrogations.
The arrests led to the recovery of additional cellphones, SIM cards, and Buddie lines linked to the fraudulent activities.
The total amount stolen through the scheme is estimated at US$61 387.
