Zambia cybercrime network raided

I had the opportunity to feature on BBC News , Focus on Africa. I wear many hats, but everything is focused on my profession: IT and cybersecurity, columnist, author, researcher, and educator. I was interviewed as an independent IT & Cybersecurity columnist. I have been an IT & cybersecurity columnist for nine years.

The interview focused on the recent event where law enforcement agencies arrested 22 Chinese nationals, one Cameroonian, and 70 locals.

The actors were operating like a call center and an internet café under the name Golden Top Support Services. ?We have yet to be informed when it was registered and who the directors are.

• The crime has affected the operators in terms of revenue loss. Local SIM cards could have been used for international calls, as we have been told that some foreign countries are targets.
• We are not yet told how much could have been lost. I believe even the locals were affected.
• The actors recruited and trained the locals and made them follow a strict hierarchy. They were not allowed to carry mobile phones; they were given scripts and strictly monitored. ?
• Yes, Zambia has experienced different cybercrimes. In the first quarter of 2023, it was reported that over 10,000 attacks were recorded. There have been a few instances where a few actors were involved.
• This event seems to be better organized. It seems Zambia was being used as a center of presence, but the targets were foreign countries. I say this because the local ‘employees’ could have noticed. There is no information as to how long this company has been in operation in the country. This appears to be well organized.
• Zambia has continued to record growth in the number of internet users and digital financial services. The increase attracts some fraudsters. Zambia is not isolated from other countries. Kenya and South Africa have continued to be the highest. However, Zambia cannot be excluded.
• This was a sophisticated network, and the law enforcement agencies had all the details. They were very precise. Congratulations to these officers and the government. This raises their confidence levels.
• Innocent young school leavers were employed as if they were working for a call center, but under certain strict conditions.
• People want to earn a living so they are employed and recruited via the internet
• It was reported that there were 23 foreigners. There were 22 Chinese; some of them were in the country without legal documents.
• 70 young Zambians were detained, and some were released.
• Zambia and China share a very good relationship; Chinese are coming to Zambia as investors and some are truly genuine, doing different businesses
• The number of foreigners involved is something to worry about.
• The damage is huge, and I think so in terms of revenue losses by the operators
• Considering the SIM cards under some local operators and foreign operators, this is worrying.
• There is an element of reputational damage to the relationship between China and Zambia. We have yet to hear from the Chinese authorities since this case involves their people.
• Zambia is a peaceful country and Zambians are welcoming to anyone who wants to do business with them. Bad actors take advantage of that.
• Zambia is like any other African country that is a destination for foreign investors. Chinese would come as investors, and some would get involved in criminal activities.
• Zambia was being used as a point of presence while they were extending the attacks to other nations.
• The fight against cybercrimes requires a multi-sectorial strategy. It is not a fight to leave with the government alone.

• Public awareness, legislative, and policy development

• International corporation

• Capacity building empowers and trains more investigators and law enforcement agencies in cybercrime.
• Continues monitoring and investment in fraud detection technologies

• Strong incident response team that can respond quickly

Thanks to Akisa Wandera

#cybercrime #zambia #cybersecurity #cybersmart #cybersecurityawareness