Crime & Courts
79 Nabbed in luxury Lusaka estate raid over cyber crime….Joint security operation seizes Starlink kits, cash and passports at suspected cybercrime and human trafficking hubs in New Kasama
DAVID KANDUZA A MASSIVE joint security operation has dismantled a suspected international cybercrime network operating out of a luxury estate in Lusaka, resulting in the arrest
Picture: Zambian Observer
By DAVID KANDUZA
A MASSIVE joint security operation has dismantled a suspected international cybercrime network operating out of a luxury estate in Lusaka, resulting in the arrest of 79 individuals of various nationalities.
The raid, which took place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Evana Estates in the upscale New Kasama neighbourhood, was executed following a tip-off from members of the public who raised alarms over suspicious activities at the premises.
The high-stakes operation brought together the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the Department of Immigration and the Zambia Cyber Security Agency.
The 79 suspects taken into custody represent a highly organised, multinational network.
According to a joint statement released by police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba, and immigration chief communications officer Namati Nshinka, the apprehended individuals include:35 Ugandans,11 Chinese,10 Zambians and eight Kenyans
Others were six Ghanaians, five Liberians, two Burundees, one Chadian and one Zimbabwean
During the sweep, officers uncovered a sophisticated digital setup.
Law enforcement seized a massive cache of electronic communication equipment and currency, including:73 desktop computers and six laptops140 mobile phones and 10 new SIM cards
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Other items included Starlink internet kits two external hard drives, 75 passports, K21,490 cash, US$10,450 and various other foreign currencies.
Preliminary investigations and an initial analysis of the seized hardware suggest the location was being used as the headquarters for a newly established, highly organised cybercrime syndicate.
Detectives were currently investigating the full scale of the operation and searching for links to other criminal networks within Zambia and globally.
The investigation had also taken a dark turn into potential human rights abuses.
Authorities were closely examining how the foreigners were recruited, housed and treated.
Early indicators suggest that several of the suspects may have been lured to Zambia under false pretenses, with evidence pointing to restricted freedom of movement once inside the compound.
Security agencies confirmed that elements of human trafficking and labour exploitation were actively being investigated and could not be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration has begun verifying the legal status of all foreign detainees.
Initial checks have already revealed that six of the Ugandans were residing in Zambia illegally.
All 79 suspects remained in custody as the joint task force works to unmask the masterminds behind the syndicate.
Source: Zambian Observer — Read more
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