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EcoCash hacking gang file bail applications
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Eleven men accused of defrauding EcoCash users through a fake free data bundle scheme have filed bail applications before the Harare Magistrates' Court.
The accused, aged between 20 and 26, are facing charges of hacking into the EcoCash platform and allegedly stealing more than US$61 000 from unsuspecting victims.
Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo (20), Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze, Billy Zawe (21) and Dilan Macheka (22) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo.
Through their lawyers, the accused argued that they are suitable candidates for bail, submitting that they reside with their parents at verifiable addresses and pose no flight risk.
They further contended that the State's allegations were vague and failed to specify the individual roles played by each accused in the alleged commission of the offences.
Magistrate Moyo is expected to deliver her ruling on the bail applications tomorrow.
According to the State, the group acted in common purpose to exploit Econet Zimbabwe's EcoCash platform by targeting account holders with fraudulent messages.
Prosecutors allege that in November last year, the suspects sent links to EcoCash users purporting to offer free data bundles. Victims who clicked on the links were allegedly redirected to fake websites where they were prompted to enter personal information, including their mobile phone numbers.
At the final stage of the alleged scheme, the suspects reportedly contacted the victims by phone and requested One-Time PINs (OTPs) sent to their devices. Armed with the OTPs, they allegedly gained unauthorised access to the victims' EcoCash accounts and transferred funds into accounts under their control.
The court heard that on February 4, detectives acting on intelligence-led investigations and financial transaction tracing arrested Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo at their residence.
A search of the premises allegedly led to the recovery of five mobile phones believed to be linked to the offences, several Econet SIM cards and US$600 in cash.
Police subsequently arrested the remaining suspects in Chitungwiza the following day after further investigations and interrogations. Additional mobile phones, SIM cards and Buddie lines allegedly used in the commission of the offences were recovered.
The total amount allegedly stolen through the scheme is estimated at US$61 387.
The matter remains before the courts.
The accused, aged between 20 and 26, are facing charges of hacking into the EcoCash platform and allegedly stealing more than US$61 000 from unsuspecting victims.
Mpho Ruzwidzo (22), Ishmael Muzanenhamo (20), Moses Shingirai Chawatama (24), Usher Forester Mubaiwa (26), Panashe Wesley Gonzo (22), Tinashe Gonzo (24), Eddington Leeroy Mazonde (21), Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita (23), Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze, Billy Zawe (21) and Dilan Macheka (22) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo.
Through their lawyers, the accused argued that they are suitable candidates for bail, submitting that they reside with their parents at verifiable addresses and pose no flight risk.
They further contended that the State's allegations were vague and failed to specify the individual roles played by each accused in the alleged commission of the offences.
Magistrate Moyo is expected to deliver her ruling on the bail applications tomorrow.
According to the State, the group acted in common purpose to exploit Econet Zimbabwe's EcoCash platform by targeting account holders with fraudulent messages.
Prosecutors allege that in November last year, the suspects sent links to EcoCash users purporting to offer free data bundles. Victims who clicked on the links were allegedly redirected to fake websites where they were prompted to enter personal information, including their mobile phone numbers.
At the final stage of the alleged scheme, the suspects reportedly contacted the victims by phone and requested One-Time PINs (OTPs) sent to their devices. Armed with the OTPs, they allegedly gained unauthorised access to the victims' EcoCash accounts and transferred funds into accounts under their control.
The court heard that on February 4, detectives acting on intelligence-led investigations and financial transaction tracing arrested Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo at their residence.
A search of the premises allegedly led to the recovery of five mobile phones believed to be linked to the offences, several Econet SIM cards and US$600 in cash.
Police subsequently arrested the remaining suspects in Chitungwiza the following day after further investigations and interrogations. Additional mobile phones, SIM cards and Buddie lines allegedly used in the commission of the offences were recovered.
The total amount allegedly stolen through the scheme is estimated at US$61 387.
The matter remains before the courts.
Source - HMetro
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