The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for suspected cyber criminal Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo, who is wanted in connection with a sophisticated SIM-swap and digital fraud scheme that has defrauded victims of over US$17,000.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development, identifying Muzanenhamo as the alleged ringleader of the criminal operation.
The suspect is accused of using phishing and social engineering tactics to illegally obtain victims’ personal data, hijack their mobile lines, and subsequently steal funds from their mobile wallets and bank accounts.

“The suspect, Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo, is sought in connection with several cases of digital fraud where victims have collectively lost over US$17,000,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.

“He is known to employ phishing techniques and social engineering to compromise personal data, enabling him to execute SIM-swaps and access financial accounts.”

The SIM-swap fraud technique involves a criminal taking control of a victim’s mobile number, usually by impersonating the victim to the mobile network provider.

Once the number is ported to the fraudster’s device, they can intercept critical security codes, such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs), which are necessary to authorise transactions and log into mobile banking platforms.

Commissioner Nyathi issued a warning to the public, noting that the case shows the threat of cyber-enabled crimes across Zimbabwe as the use of digital banking and mobile money services continues to grow.

He also urged citizens to exercise extreme vigilance with their personal and financial data to avoid falling victim to such elaborate scams.

The ZRP has called on anyone with information regarding Muzanenhamo’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station immediately.