KEY POINTS
- A Kenyan national was arrested for a SIM card fraud scheme worth R650,000 ($34,850).
- Police seized multiple SIM card manufacturing machines and thousands of fraudulent SIM cards.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including cyber-related forgery and violations of telecommunications laws.
A 27-year-old Kenyan national has been arrested in Johannesburg for his alleged involvement in a sophisticated SIM card fraud scheme worth R650,000 ($34,850).
The suspect, identified as Hassan, was apprehended in Mayfair on January 29 following an intelligence-driven operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit.
During the operation, authorities seized SIM card manufacturing equipment and thousands of fraudulent SIM cards linked to various mobile networks.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha confirmed that Hassan was found near Church Street in possession of two SIM card manufacturing devices and a large stash of illicit SIM cards.
More evidence found in suspect’s residence
Following Hassan’s arrest, law enforcement officials conducted a search of his home in Mayfair, where they uncovered even more evidence linking him to the illegal operation.
According to IOL, additional SIM card manufacturing machines, a desktop computer, and a substantial collection of SIM cards were discovered.
“The total value of the seized equipment is estimated at approximately R650,000,” Ramovha stated.
The arrest marks a significant step in the fight against telecommunications fraud, which has become an increasing concern in South Africa.
Hassan has been charged with multiple offenses, including cyber-related forgery and violations of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communications-Related Information Act (RICA), the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act, and the Immigration Act.
Court proceedings and law enforcement response
Hassan made his first court appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on January 31, where his case was postponed to February 7 for further verification of his immigration status.
The authorities must determine if the suspect had help from others or worked for a bigger criminal organization.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane expressed the critical nature of the operation to stop cybercrime.
She stated that this arrest conveys a clear message about the intolerance of activities which threaten our communication networks.
Mashwabane assured the public about law enforcement’s effort to stop fraudulent telecommunications scams, asking citizens to report unusual activities, so as to prevent cybercriminal activity.
