News / National
Duo hack Access Forex system, steal $220, 000
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A Mutare man and his accomplice appeared in court yesterday facing allegations of hacking into the Access Forex system and fraudulently withdrawing US$220,000 last year.
Ngonidzashe Lison Dhubiyo (29) and Terrence Mashumba (38) appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova, charged with fraud and money laundering. They were remanded in custody until Monday for a bail hearing.
The complainant, Access Forex (Pvt) Ltd, was represented in court by its auditor, Patson Makina. The company specializes in international money transfers.
According to prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the alleged fraud took place between January and October 2023. Dhubiyo, who is employed by another money transfer firm in Mutare, and Mashumba, a worker at the Agriculture Ministry stationed at Forbes Border Post, allegedly conspired with an accomplice, Tinashe Jonah Sithole, who is still at large.
The prosecution alleges that the trio gained unauthorized access to Access Forex's remittance platform, creating fake money transfer transactions that appeared to originate from the United Kingdom. These transactions were processed and withdrawn in Zimbabwe, even though no actual funds had been sent from the UK.
The accused reportedly transferred the money to their personal mobile accounts before withdrawing it from Access Forex branches nationwide. In total, they allegedly siphoned US$220,065, which they used to purchase vehicles and household electrical appliances.
The fraud was uncovered during a routine audit of the company's system. Following investigations, police arrested Dhubiyo and Mashumba in Mutare, recovering a Toyota Hiace and a Nissan Note that were allegedly bought with the stolen funds.
The case continues on Monday.
Ngonidzashe Lison Dhubiyo (29) and Terrence Mashumba (38) appeared before Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova, charged with fraud and money laundering. They were remanded in custody until Monday for a bail hearing.
The complainant, Access Forex (Pvt) Ltd, was represented in court by its auditor, Patson Makina. The company specializes in international money transfers.
According to prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the alleged fraud took place between January and October 2023. Dhubiyo, who is employed by another money transfer firm in Mutare, and Mashumba, a worker at the Agriculture Ministry stationed at Forbes Border Post, allegedly conspired with an accomplice, Tinashe Jonah Sithole, who is still at large.
The accused reportedly transferred the money to their personal mobile accounts before withdrawing it from Access Forex branches nationwide. In total, they allegedly siphoned US$220,065, which they used to purchase vehicles and household electrical appliances.
The fraud was uncovered during a routine audit of the company's system. Following investigations, police arrested Dhubiyo and Mashumba in Mutare, recovering a Toyota Hiace and a Nissan Note that were allegedly bought with the stolen funds.
The case continues on Monday.
Source - newsday
