Four arrested in Mtwara over cybercrime allegations

Police in Tanzania's Mtwara region have apprehended four individuals suspected of engaging in cybercrime and fraud. The arrests were made by the regional police's cybercrime unit, which has linked the suspects to criminal activities spanning 11 regions across the country.

According to Mtwara Regional Police Commander Issa Suleiman, the suspects, identified as Ibrahimu Mfinanga (DJ Ibra), Steven Matiko (Kurya Boy), George Angima, and Danie Marwa, all residents of Mwanza, repeatedly traveled to Mtwara to commit fraud against financial service providers before moving to other areas. Initial investigations suggest the suspects were involved in cybercrimes in Iringa, Tanga, Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma, Njombe, Mbeya, Dodoma, Pwani, Shinyanga, and Mwanza.

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Watuhumiwa hawa walikuwa wakifika kwa mawakala wa huduma za kifedha wakijifanya wateja wa kawaida, kisha kuomba kutumia simu zinazotumika kufanya miamala na kuhifadhi namba hizo kwa majina ya mitandao husika kwa ajili ya kuendeleza uhalifu wao.

During the arrests, police seized 10 mobile phones and 10 unregistered SIM cards, believed to have been used in the criminal operations. Commander Suleiman explained that the suspects would approach financial service agents, posing as ordinary customers. They would then request to use the agents' transaction phones, memorizing the numbers associated with mobile money accounts to further their illicit activities.

Investigations are ongoing to identify other potential accomplices. Police are also appealing to the public, particularly victims in the Mtwara district, to visit the Mtwara Central Police Station to identify the suspects and aid the investigation. Additionally, financial service agents are urged to exercise caution and avoid lending their transaction phones to unknown individuals to prevent enabling further cybercriminal activity.

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Watuhumiwa hawa walikuwa wakifika kwa mawakala wa huduma za kifedha wakijifanya wateja wa kawaida, kisha kuomba kutumia simu zinazotumika kufanya miamala na kuhifadhi namba hizo kwa majina ya mitandao husika kwa ajili ya kuendeleza uhalifu wao.