This is a disturbing case of an international fraud syndicate exploiting young Zambian school leavers for cyber fraud. The operation, conducted by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and other authorities, uncovered a scheme by an organization called Golden Top Support Services operating from Roma in Lusaka.
The organization employed young Zambian youths under the guise of call center agents, but they were actually involved in deceptive conversations with unsuspecting mobile users across platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and chat rooms.
It’s alarming that 77 individuals, including 50 Zambians, 22 Chinese nationals, and one Cameroonian, were found to be residing in the country without proper documentation. Following the raid, 17 Zambian suspects were released, while 60 Zambians, 22 Chinese adults, and one Cameroonian were detained for further questioning.
The syndicate’s fraudulent activities extended beyond Zambia, with evidence of communication with individuals in Singapore, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among the items recovered were sim boxing machines used for fraud, along with a staggering 13,000 sim cards of both domestic and international origins.
Additionally, authorities found two firearms with ammunition, 93 desktop computers, 42 new unboxed computers, and two motor vehicles, including a Toyota Alphard and a Toyota Land Cruiser registered to a Chinese national linked to the business.
This operation highlights the need for continued vigilance against cyber fraud and exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminal organizations.