Chinese Crime Syndicate Raided in Lusaka

The authorities have uncovered an elaborate internet fraud syndicate operating within the country. The operation, which ended in a raid on ‘Golden Top Support Services,’ in Lusaka, revealed the workings of the illicit network.

Led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) along with the police, the Department of Immigration, and anti-terrorism units, the raid revealed a range of sophisticated cybercrime activities. The syndicate used sim boxing machines—which present international calls as local, prevent the blocking of sim cards, and let scammers use several phone numbers—to carry out scams across the globe.

Law enforcement officers seized over 13,000 SIM cards from providers such as Vodafone, MTN, and Airtel.

The syndicate targeted youths who believed they were employed as call centre agents. They were tasked with engaging in scripted conversations with potential victims.

Beyond the continent, records show that people in countries including Singapore, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates were also targeted.

In total, 77 suspects were arrested: 50 Zambian nationals, 23 foreign nationals, 22 Chinese nationals, and one Cameroonian. 17 Zambian suspects were later released, while 60 Zambian suspects and foreign nationals were detained for further questioning.

Other seized items included desktop computers, laptops, and other communication devices. Law enforcement also confiscated two firearms and over 75 rounds of ammunition, along with two cars linked to a Chinese national associated with the scam.