Seventy- Nine people have been apprehended at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka in a joint operation targeting a suspected cybercrime network.
The operation conducted on Sunday involved the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Department of Immigration, Zambia Cyber Security Agency and other security institutions.
According to a joint statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, the operation followed a tip-off from members of the public regarding suspicious activities at the premises.
Those apprehended include 35 Ugandans, 11 Chinese, 10 Zambians, eight Kenyans, six Ghanaians, five Liberians, two Burundians, one Chadian and one Zimbabwean national.
The joint team seized 73 desktop computers, six laptops, 140 mobile phones, five Starlink kits, two external hard drives, 10 new SIM cards and 75 passports.
The team also recovered K21,490 cash, US$10,450 and assorted foreign currencies during the operation.
Preliminary investigations and examination of the recovered items had suggested that the premises were being used by a newly-established and highly organised network suspected of conducting cyber-related criminal activities.
The authorities said the full nature, structure, scale and extent of the suspected criminal activities, including possible links to other individuals or networks within and outside Zambia remained under investigation.
The joint investigative team was also investigating the recruitment, accommodation and working conditions of some of the foreign nationals apprehended.
Preliminary information suggested that some individuals may have been recruited under deceptive circumstances while the freedom of movement of some foreign nationals may have been restricted.
The authorities said possible elements of human trafficking or exploitation could therefore not be ruled out at this stage.
The Department of Immigration was verifying the immigration status of all foreign nationals apprehended.
Preliminary verification had established that six of the Ugandan nationals were illegally staying in Zambia, while verification of the remaining foreign nationals was on-going.
All 79 suspects remained in custody as investigations continue to establish the alleged masterminds behind the suspected network, its full scope of activities and other persons who may be connected to it.
The authorities said further details would be provided as investigations progressed and when appropriate.
Zambia Police Service public relations officer, Goedfrey Chilabi, DEC public relations officer, Allan Tamba and Immigration public relations officer, Namati Nishnika issued the joint statement.
