The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 32-year-old Dalitso Mashata Mbewe from Lusoke Village, Chongwe District, on serious charges including cybercrime, theft, and money laundering. This action is part of DEC’s ongoing crackdown on crimes that threaten the integrity of Zambia’s financial systems.
Mbewe is accused of unauthorized access to data under the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act No. 2 of 2021, theft according to the Penal Code CAP 87, and money laundering as stipulated by the Prohibition and Prevention of the Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, as amended by Act 44 of 2010.
The charges allege that Mbewe, in collaboration with unidentified individuals, accessed data from a financial institution and illicitly transferred over K626,700.00 from a client’s account to his Airtel Mobile Money account, as well as to accounts belonging to his relatives and friends. He is also accused of using the stolen funds to acquire a gold Rav 4 vehicle (registration number AEB 1029ZM) and a piece of land in Kalubungo village, Lusaka Province, with additional properties still under investigation.
Currently on bond, Mbewe is expected to appear in court soon. The DEC urges the public and business community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to cybercrime, theft, or money laundering. The commission remains committed to protecting public interests and maintaining a secure business environment.
