A police crackdown on rising cases of identity theft, phone theft, and flashing fraud has led to the arrest and prosecution of five men, accused of being part of a sophisticated phone-flashing network.
The suspects—Nelson Mukisa, Benjamin Ssekamatte, Umaru Nsubuga, Martin Michele, and Joseph Kyakuwa (both phone technicians)—were detained at Kiira Road Police Station before appearing at the City Hall Court on 12 November to face charges.
The suspects are accused of engaging in organised criminal activity, illegally accessing mobile devices, tampering with their software to bypass security systems, and erasing data.
According to police, the group’s activities pose significant risks to digital security and online businesses.
They have been charged with theft and unauthorised access to a restricted system, with allegations that they tampered with a phone sold on hire purchase.
After their initial hearing, the suspects were remanded to Luzira prison until 28 November. City Hall Chief Magistrate Edgar Kalyegira, who presided over the hearing, described the offences as serious and applauded the swift response from law enforcement agencies. The Director of Public Prosecutions sanctioned the case, highlighting the government’s determination to crack down on digital crime.
In a related operation, three additional suspects—Kabuye Arafat, Moses Bbosa, and Umaru Kisitu—were apprehended on 6 November 2024. They were accused of unauthorised access to and modification of mobile devices.
Prosecutors allege these individuals are part of a wider syndicate exploiting mobile phones to commit crimes including identity theft, financial fraud, and data breaches. The case against this group is set for hearing on 19 November 2024.
The phone-flashing practice is a growing concern due to its impact on Uganda’s digital economy. By bypassing software security, criminals can steal sensitive data, including passwords, financial information, and other personal details, which are used for fraudulent activities. This threatens the integrity of mobile banking systems, e-commerce platforms, and other digital services relied upon by businesses and consumers.
Cybersecurity experts warn that phone flashing and similar cybercrimes carry serious implications, particularly as Uganda’s online economy expands. Law enforcement agencies and cybercrime experts have advised both consumers and businesses to take extra precautions, such as enabling encryption and two-factor authentication, to guard against such threats.
The Uganda Police Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks exploiting digital vulnerabilities and called on the public to remain vigilant.
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