Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A TRIO of tech-savvy fraudsters has been busted in Shurugwi after allegedly running a nationwide cybercrime syndicate that fleeced unsuspecting victims of thousands of dollars.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo (27), Rumbidzai Tsongora (24) and Bradwell Shangwa (25) in connection with more than 29 cyber fraud cases committed across the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of the suspects in connection with a series of Cyber Fraud cases targeting victims across the country,” said Comm Nyathi in a statement.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the trio used phishing schemes, data breaches and public records to obtain victims’ personal information. Phishing schemes involve tricking people through fake emails or messages to reveal passwords or codes, while data breaches expose stored information from hacked systems. The suspects also allegedly mined public records such as registries to collect personal details.
Armed with this information, they impersonated victims to request SIM card replacements, a move that let them hijack victims’ phone numbers — including access to their calls, texts, and one-time passwords. With the SIM cards switched, the suspects gained full control of the victims’ mobile money platforms, bank accounts and WhatsApp profiles.
“This enabled the suspects to fraudulently transfer funds from victims’ accounts and ask for money from their contacts,” said Comm Nyathi.
Acting on a tip-off, police tracked the suspects to a lodge in Shurugwi where they were hiding. Officers pounced and arrested them before they could flee in their Toyota Mark X getaway car.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a pair of handcuffs, fake national IDs, multiple SIM cards, bank cards, several cellphones and a Starlink device. The handcuffs may have been used to intimidate victims, while the fake IDs were allegedly used to pose as account holders during transactions. The numerous SIM cards and bank cards point to multiple fraud operations, and the Starlink device provided mobile, hard-to-trace internet access.
Police said the syndicate is linked to 29 cases involving US$17 009.50 and ZiG30 665 912.30 in Harare, Bulawayo and several other places.
“The ZRP warns members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious online or mobile money activities,” said Comm Nyathi.
Investigations are ongoing, and more details will be released as the net closes on other possible accomplices.
