A multi-million rand Nigerian cellphone phishing syndicate operating from a well-known beachfront hotel in Durban has been dismantled following a coordinated police operation, authorities confirmed.
Three Nigerian nationals and two local women have been arrested in connection with the alleged scam.
The operation was led by multiple units, including SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Crime Intelligence, the Commercial Crime Investigations Unit, Durban Central SAPS, and the Durban Metro Police Tactical Support Unit.
Police say the suspects were operating from three hotel rooms that were booked during the first week of April, using the location as a base for their alleged cyber-related criminal activities.
A number of cellphones and laptops believed to have been used in the commission of the offences were seized during the raid.
The suspects are expected to face charges including fraud, theft, and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act.
They are due to appear in court next week.