Zambian authorities have dismantled a major Chinese-led cybercrime syndicate accused of conducting sophisticated internet fraud worldwide.

According to reports monitored here on Thursday, at least 77 individuals have been arrested over the past two months for alleged involvement in the sophisticated scam in which the fraudsters targeted victims in Africa, Asia and South America.

According to the reports, the arrests followed a swoop on a Chinese-owned company Golden Top Support Services in the capital Lusaka by agents from Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Among the alleged fraudsters were 22 Chinese nationals.

The Chinese nationals pleaded guilty when they appeared before a Lusaka court on Wednesday.

The syndicate allegedly targeted victims globally, with Zambians and individuals from various countries – including Peru, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates – falling prey to their schemes.

Zambia had lately seen a spike in reports of citizens losing money through elaborate money-laundering operations.

According to DEC, the accused face charges of computer-related misrepresentation, identity theft, and illegal network operation.

The authorities seized numerous devices used during the operation, including over 13,000 Sim cards, firearms and vehicles.

The accused are expected to be sentenced on Friday.

JN/APA