Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
ELEVEN suspected hackers accused of defrauding EcoCash users through fake free data offers appeared in court yesterday to file their bail applications.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, face charges of hacking after allegedly stealing more than US$61 000 from unsuspecting victims’ EcoCash accounts.
They include 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 appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo.
Through their lawyers, the suspects argued that they are suitable candidates for bail, as they reside with their parents at verifiable addresses.
They contended that the State’s allegations are vague and do not specify which accused person committed which part of the offence.
Magistrate Moyo is expected to rule on the bail application tomorrow.
According to the State, the gang acted with common purpose to exploit Econet Zimbabwe’s EcoCash platform by targeting users through phishing schemes.
In November of last year, they allegedly sent fraudulent links to EcoCash users, claiming to offer free data bundles.
Victims who clicked on the links were redirected to fake portals and asked to enter personal details, including their mobile phone numbers.
In the final stage of the scheme, the suspects allegedly contacted victims by phone to request the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to their handsets.
Armed with these OTPs, they gained unauthorised access to the victims’ EcoCash accounts and transferred funds to accounts under their control.
The court heard that on February 4, detectives arrested Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo at their residence based on intelligence-led investigations and financial transaction tracing.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of five cellphones linked to the offences, several Econet SIM cards, and US$600 in cash.
The following day, police arrested the remaining suspects in Chitungwiza after further investigations and information obtained during interrogations.
Additional cellphones, SIM cards and Buddie lines allegedly used in the commission of the offences were also recovered.
The total amount allegedly stolen through the scheme is estimated at US$61 387.
