Jamal Al-Farouq In a recent law enforcement operation, Namibian authorities apprehended 20 people involved in a deceptive cryptocurrency operation known as a “pig butchering” scheme, primarily targeting U.S. citizens. The arrested individuals, comprising 11 Chinese nationals, are facing multiple charges including human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
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Recruitment of Young Namibians
Law enforcement agencies in Namibia have taken into custody 20 suspects who were allegedly leading a cryptocurrency fraud scheme known as “pig butchering.” Elias Mutota, the Deputy Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, stated that over 80 young Namibians had been enlisted by the perpetrators. These recruits were guaranteed a monthly remuneration of approximately $160, equivalent to N3,000 in the local currency.
Details of the Scheme’s Operations
The Deputy Inspector General elaborated on the modus operandi of the arrested individuals. According to him, the foreign nationals among the accused were in control of the electronic wallet used in the scheme. Additionally, they provided lodging for the recruited Namibians, compensated them in cash, and arranged their daily transportation to a designated call center. The call center operated solely during night hours, from 5:00 PM until 6:00 AM the following morning. This was strategically planned to coincide with U.S. time zones, in order to deceive American targets into believing the operation was based in the United States.
Upon persuading victims to invest, the accused would sever all communication and subsequently withdraw the invested cryptocurrency from two Bitcoin kiosks.
Recovery of Assets and Legal Actions
Post-arrest, Namibian authorities seized an array of assets, including 163 computers, 350 mobile phones, six vehicles, 12 firearms, ammunition, and nearly $19,500 in cash. Regarding the fate of the recruited young Namibians, Deputy Inspector General Mutota indicated that they would either face legal charges or serve as witnesses against the apprehended suspects.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Namibian Cryptocurrency Scam Arrests
What is the “pig butchering” cryptocurrency scheme?
The “pig butchering” cryptocurrency scheme is a fraudulent operation primarily targeting U.S. citizens. The perpetrators convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency and then abruptly sever all communication, withdrawing the invested funds from Bitcoin kiosks.
Who are the individuals arrested in connection with this scheme?
Namibian authorities have arrested 20 individuals, including 11 Chinese nationals, who are accused of leading this fraudulent operation. They face multiple charges such as human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
What role did young Namibians play in this scheme?
Over 80 young Namibians were recruited by the perpetrators to work in a call center. They were promised a monthly salary of approximately $160 (equivalent to N3,000 in local currency) and were given lodging and transportation by the scammers.
How did the scam operate?
The scheme operated primarily during night hours, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM, to align with U.S. time zones. The goal was to deceive U.S. citizens into believing the operation was based in the United States. The recruited Namibians worked in a call center, persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency.
What assets were recovered by Namibian authorities following the arrests?
Upon arresting the accused individuals, law enforcement agencies in Namibia seized 163 computers, 350 mobile phones, six vehicles, 12 firearms, ammunition, and nearly $19,500 in cash.
What will happen to the young Namibians involved in the scheme?
Elias Mutota, the Deputy Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, stated that the recruited young Namibians would either be charged for their involvement in the scheme or serve as witnesses against the arrested suspects.
What are the legal charges faced by the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals are facing a range of charges that include human trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
How many victims have been identified by the police so far?
According to the report, more than 200 victims, including both individuals and corporations, have been identified by the Namibian police as affected by this scam.
More about Namibian Cryptocurrency Scam Arrests
- Namibian Police Official Statement on Cryptocurrency Scam Arrests
- Informante News Coverage on “Pig Butchering” Scheme
- Understanding Cryptocurrency Scams
- International Law on Human Trafficking
- Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering
- Cryptocurrency Regulation in Namibia
- U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines on Fraud
- Time Zone Manipulation in Scams
- Bitcoin Kiosks and Cryptocurrency ATMs
10 comments
What about the young Namibians involved? Will they be charged or testify, its not clear.
Finally, justice served! These scams r just ruining the rep of the whole crypto community. More power to the law!
The scale of this operation is just mind-boggling. Goes to show you can never be too careful these days.
Anyone noticed the part about six vehicles? What role did they play, just curious.
So they were operating at night to trick Americans? That’s kinda smart but also really shady.
163 computers, 350 mobiles and 12 firearms? That’s a mini-army right there. Glad they got caught.
human trafficking charges too? This goes way beyond just a scam. Seriously messed up.
Wow, can’t believe they caught 20 people behind this! Thats some serious stuff going on, man. Kudos to Namibia police.
200 victims and counting, wonder how many more are out there. scary stuff, stay safe ppl.
Amazing the depth people will go to scam others. Looking forward to the follow-up on how this unfolds in court.