MBABANE – Police have made another breakthrough in investigations into the foreign nationals allegedly involved in an online gambling fraud syndicate.
This was after the arrest of a mainland Chinese national believed to be the kingpin.
The suspect, identified only as Tiger, was apprehended in Ezulwini during an operation conducted by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
His arrest follows the earlier detention of 88 foreign nationals, now 94, since six more have been arrested, nationals linked to an alleged online scam commonly known as ‘pig-butchering’.
Tiger was reportedly found in possession of a number of electronic gadgets, including speed point machines from Absa, which are believed to have been used in the operation of the alleged scam. Police also seized several cellphones during a raid at his place of residence, which are believed to have been used in the execution of the online activities.
The suspect was further allegedly found with documents purportedly authorising his stay in the country, including what is believed to be a national identity card of Eswatini. Police are reportedly verifying the authenticity of these documents as part of the ongoing investigations.
Tiger is held at the Lobamba Police Station pending further investigations. It was reported that he has since engaged the services of an attorney.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Tiger allegedly played a central role in facilitating the arrival, accommodation and coordination of the foreign nationals who were among those initially arrested.
It is alleged that he worked with certain local individuals to facilitate the entry of the foreign nationals into the country and arranged for their accommodation at various locations. Investigators also believe that he provided the electronic gadgets that were used in the execution of the alleged scam.
Investigations have further revealed that members of the syndicate were not operating from a single location, but were instead spread across different rented houses, mainly along the Mbabane-Manzini corridor.
Some of the suspected members of the syndicate are reported to have fled their respective locations after learning about the earlier arrests of individuals who were staying at Castle Hotel in Mbabane.
Police have indicated that more arrests are likely as investigations continue. Investigators are also probing whether the suspect has any links to a local pastor and his wife, who are alleged to be connected to the scheme.
The arrest follows earlier revelations that the foreign nationals allegedly operated a scam known as ‘pig-butchering’, a form of organised online fraud that has been reported in different parts of the world.
As previously reported by this publication, ‘pig-butchering’ is a type of scam in which perpetrators establish contact with victims through social media platforms, messaging applications and online forums.
The suspects allegedly pose as friendly acquaintances or successful investors and communicate with the victims over a period of time in order to build trust.
Once a relationship has been established, the victims are introduced to what are presented as legitimate investment opportunities, often linked to online gambling or digital trading platforms.
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