Security

Police Arrests Suspected Mobile Scammers for Defrauding more than 200 Million Birr

AI SUMMARY

Federal Police have arrested 37 suspects for allegedly defrauding 658 citizens of more than 200 million birr through mobile banking scams.

The suspects are accused of defrauding 658 citizens of more than 200 million Birr through mobile banking scams.
Ethiopia’s Federal Police arrested 37 suspects following a coordinated operation with security and justice institutions.
Suspects impersonated bank technical support staff, claiming victims won prizes, needed system updates, or had to link accounts with Fayda digital ID.
Victims were persuaded to disclose confidential banking information including passwords, OTPs, and PINs.
The suspects operated through an organized network, renting residential properties and acquiring multiple bank accounts and SIM cards under different names.
Police seized nine vehicles, one motorcycle, 114 mobile phones, and 478 SIM cards during the operation.