EcoCash hackers bail ruling tomorrow

A HARARE magistrate is expected to rule tomorrow on a bail application for 11 men accused of a US$61 000 scam.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, applied for bail, arguing they are “kids” who have been wrongly accused by the State.

They told the court they are foreign currency traders who know each other from Chitungwiza, asserting there is no clear evidence of their individual roles in the alleged organised crime syndicate.

They requested that the court grant them bail of $100 each.

The accused—Mpho Ruzwidzo, Ishmael Muzanenhamo, Moses Shingirai Chawatama, Usher Forester Mubaiwa, Panashe Wesley Gonzo, Tinashe Gonzo, Eddington Leeroy Mazonde, Calvin Takudzwa Masiyandaita, Shawn Goodmore Chikangaidze, Billy Zawe, and Dilan Macheka—face hacking charges involving 31 complainants.

According to the State, the group allegedly conspired to exploit the EcoCash platform through phishing schemes.

Beginning in November last year, they allegedly sent fraudulent links to victims, falsely offering free data bundles. Victims who clicked were redirected to fake portals to enter personal information, including mobile numbers. The suspects would then call the victims to request the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to their phones.

Using the OTPs, the accused allegedly gained unauthorised access to the victims’ accounts and transferred funds.

On February 4, detectives used financial tracing to arrest Ruzwidzo and Muzanenhamo. A search recovered five cellphones, several SIM cards, and US$600 in cash.

Following interviews, the police arrested the remaining suspects in Chitungwiza, seizing additional phones and Buddie lines.

The total amount stolen is US$61 387.