KwaZulu-Natal police have cracked a multi-million rand cellphone phishing syndicate operating from a well-known beachfront hotel in Durban, leading to the arrest of five suspects.The suspects include three Nigerian nationals and two local women.
They were apprehended following a coordinated investigation by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Crime Intelligence units focusing on commercial, financial and cybercrime, together with SAPS Commercial Crime Investigations, Durban Central SAPS and the Durban Metro Police Tactical Support Unit.
According to police, the group had been operating from three hotel rooms booked in the first week of April. Investigators traced the suspects after linking them to a series of cellphone phishing scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
During the operation, officers seized several cellphones and laptops believed to have been used to carry out the fraudulent activities. Authorities say the devices will form a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Police allege that the syndicate was involved in sophisticated schemes aimed at stealing personal and financial information, resulting in significant financial losses.All five suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act.
They are due to appear in court next week.Investigations are continuing, and police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.
