Security Architecture, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security, Threat Management, Threat Management, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security, Endpoint/Device Security

Blind mobile hacker receives two-year jail sentence

A blind man has been sentenced to two years in prison after a court found him guilty of hacking into the mobile accounts of prominent African politicians and businessmen and stealing airtime.

Jairos Tembo, the Zambian mobile hacker who was charged with unauthorized access to data and stealing “talk-time,” used “unknown” software to tap into the database of Airtel Zambia, and targeted the airtime belonging to politicians which included Minister of Defense Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Given Lubinda, as well as business executive Steve Nyirenda.

The talk-time stolen by Tembo is said to be worth up to $3,500, according to The Times of Zambia. After victims of the crimes – which took place between 2011 and 2012 – filed complaints with Airtel Zambia, the company launched an investigation.

Tembo plans on appealing the decision.

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.