The police in Mukono district, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Task Force, have apprehended a notorious hacker for allegedly penetrating mobile money systems and pilfering millions of shillings from agents across multiple locations.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Sabiiti Kaporonyo from Namugongo in Wakiso, was arrested on charges of hacking into the mobile money platforms of agents and dealers, siphoning off funds from their agent lines. This arrest marks a significant victory against cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems to carry out illegal activities.
According to SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, the arrest followed a meticulous operation that exposed the extent of the suspect’s illicit activities.
“The suspect had amassed a substantial amount of money by hacking into mobile money systems operated by agents in Mukono, Jinja, Makindye, Kiira Division, Kinoni, and Nagalama, among other areas,” Enanga revealed during a press conference at the police headquarters on February 12, 2024.
In an effort to evade detection, the hacker allegedly employed ingenious strategies, such as customizing his vehicle’s registration number plates. However, law enforcement officers were able to track down the suspect through intelligence-led operations, leading to the recovery of four Airtel lines and a sophisticated hacking machine. Kaporonyo’s motor vehicle, a white Toyota Harrier with registration number UBD 612P, was also impounded.
Enanga reiterated the commitment of the Joint Security Agencies to locating and dismantling criminal networks involved in stealing from innocent businesspeople. The police, working in collaboration with other security agencies, vow to investigate, expose, and disrupt these illicit activities, ensuring the safety and financial security of the public.
Investigations into this case are ongoing, and the police urge anyone with information related to cybercrime or suspicious activity to come forward and assist in the fight against such offenses.
