A Zambian court has sentenced a group of 22 individuals to prison terms for their involvement in an internet fraud ring.
The group, consisting of 21 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian national, was apprehended by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in April 2024.
Following a trial, the Magistrate Court in Lusaka found all members guilty of various charges related to their online scamming activities.
These charges included computer-related misrepresentation, identity-related crimes, and operating an unlicensed network.
The ringleader, Li Xianlin, received the harshest sentence – 11 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 120,000 Zambian Kwacha (approximately $4,500 USD).
His accomplices were each sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 70,000 Kwacha ($2,700 USD).
Authorities confiscated a significant amount of equipment believed to be used in the fraud scheme.
This included 135 desktop computers, one laptop, 11 sim boxes, a Toyota Alphard car, and a sum of 13,143 Kwacha. All seized items will be forfeited to the Zambian state.
This case highlights Zambia’s efforts to combat internet fraud, a growing global concern.
The significant sentences imposed on the perpetrators serve as a deterrent to others considering similar criminal activities.
