MTN defrauded of R50-million airtime

A Latvian national has been arrested for allegedly defrauding cellphone service provider MTN of R50 million worth of airtime, the Hawks said on Wednesday.

“He was arrested on the West Rand after an extensive investigation with MTN,” spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said.

The 34-year-old allegedly hacked into MTN’s system. At least six computers and other electronic devices that he allegedly used to commit the crime would be seized from him.

The man was suspected of being part of a syndicate. He was charged with fraud and contravening the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act. He is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday.

More celluar news

Vodacom’s cheaper international calls: worth R5 per month?

Dual-SIM for your iPhone, Galaxy S4

Biggest mobile data users revealed