79 Arrested in Lusaka as Joint Task Force Busts Suspected Cybercrime Network, Flags Possible Trafficking

Seventy-nine people, drawn from nine countries, were apprehended in a joint security operation at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka, on 23 August, targeting what authorities describe as a newly established and highly organised suspected cybercrime network, with investigators warning that elements of human trafficking or exploitation cannot yet be ruled out.

The operation, conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Department of Immigration, the Zambia Cyber Security Agency and other security institutions, followed a tip-off from members of the public about suspicious activity at the premises. Those apprehended include 35 Ugandans, 11 Chinese nationals, 10 Zambians, 8 Kenyans, 6 Ghanaians, 5 Liberians, 2 Burundians, 1 Chadian and 1 Zimbabwean.

Items seized from the premises included 73 desktop computers, 6 laptops, 140 mobile phones, 5 Starlink satellite internet kits, 2 external hard drives, 10 new SIM cards and 75 passports, alongside K21,490, US$10,450 and assorted foreign currencies.

Authorities said preliminary investigations and an initial examination of the recovered items suggest the premises were being used by a newly established, highly organised network suspected of conducting cyber-related criminal activity, though the full nature, structure and scale of that activity, including any links to other individuals or networks inside or outside Zambia, remains under investigation.

POSSIBLE TRAFFICKING CONCERNS

The joint team said it is also examining the circumstances under which some of the foreign nationals apprehended were recruited, accommodated and made to work. "Preliminary information suggests that some individuals may have been recruited under deceptive circumstances, while the freedom of movement of some foreign nationals may have been restricted," the statement said, adding that "possible elements of human trafficking or exploitation cannot, at this stage, be ruled out."

The Department of Immigration is verifying the immigration status of all foreign nationals apprehended. Preliminary checks have established that six of the Ugandan nationals were staying in Zambia illegally; verification of the remaining foreign nationals continues.

All 79 people remain in custody as investigations proceed. The joint investigative team said it is working to establish who is behind the suspected network, the full scope of its activities, and whether any other individuals are connected to it. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The statement was issued jointly by Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba, and Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka.