79 Apprehended in Suspected Cybercrime Operation

The agencies say the team also recovered 21,490 kwacha, 10,450 United States dollars and assorted foreign currencies.

The security institutions say preliminary investigations and an initial examination of the seized items suggest that the premises were being used by a newly established and highly organised network suspected of conducting cyber-related criminal activities.

They say the full nature, structure, scale and extent of the suspected activities, including possible links to other individuals or networks within and outside Zambia, remain under investigation.

The agencies say investigators are also examining the recruitment, accommodation and working conditions of some of the foreign nationals apprehended.

They say preliminary information suggests that some individuals may have been recruited under deceptive circumstances, while the movement of some foreign nationals may have been restricted.

The security institutions say possible elements of human trafficking or exploitation therefore cannot, at this stage, be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration says it is verifying the immigration status of all foreign nationals apprehended.

The department says preliminary verification has established that six Ugandan nationals were staying in Zambia illegally, while verification of the remaining foreign nationals is ongoing.

The agencies say all 79 people remain in custody as investigations continue to establish the alleged masterminds behind the suspected network, the full scope of its activities and any other persons who may be connected to it.

They say further details will be provided as investigations progress and when appropriate.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC news and signed jointly by Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer GODFREY CHILABI, Drug Enforcement Commission Public Relations Officer ALLAN TAMBA, and Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer NAMATI NSHINKA.