R50 million MTN airtime fraudster nabbed
A Latvian national has been arrested for allegedly defrauding cellphone service provider MTN of R50 million worth of airtime, the Hawks said on Wednesday.
“He was arrested on the West Rand after an extensive investigation with MTN,” spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said.
The 34-year-old allegedly hacked into MTN’s system. At least six computers and other electronic devices that he allegedly used to commit the crime would be seized from him.
The man was suspected of being part of a syndicate. He was charged with fraud and contravening the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act. He is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday.
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