Chibaba che IT and Mukuru employee hacks into Acess Forex system and steals US$220,000: Here is how he did it

Mutare – A Mukuru employee is facing serious charges after allegedly hacking into the Access Forex money remittance platform and stealing over US$200,000 in a sophisticated scheme. Ngonidzashe Linson Bhudiyo, who works at the Mukuru main branch in Mutare, is accused of carrying out the audacious crime with the help of Terrence Mashumba, an employee of the Ministry of Agriculture stationed at Forbes Border Post in Mutare.

The two men appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova this week, where they were formally charged. They have been remanded in custody until next week, when their bail application will be considered.

Access Forex, the complainant in the case, is being represented by its auditor, Patson Makina. The state alleges that Bhudiyo and Mashumba, in collaboration with Tinashe Jonah Sithole, who is currently at large, devised a plan to defraud the money transfer company.

The trio allegedly gained unauthorised access to Access Forex’s money remittance platform, where they created fraudulent money remittance transactions purportedly originating from the United Kingdom. These bogus transactions were then processed and received by the three suspects as if they had legitimately received funds from the UK through Access Forex.

However, the court heard that these transactions were entirely fabricated. In total, the three are accused of stealing a staggering US$220,065 through this elaborate scheme.

With the ill-gotten gains, the trio allegedly embarked on a spending spree, purchasing vehicles and various electrical household gadgets.

The fraudulent activity was eventually uncovered when Access Forex’s auditor conducted a routine check and audit of the company’s system. The audit revealed the discrepancies and triggered an investigation that led to the arrest of Bhudiyo and Mashumba in Mutare.

Following their arrest, authorities managed to recover a Toyota Hiace and a Nissan Note, both of which were allegedly purchased using the proceeds of the crime. These vehicles have been seized as evidence.

The case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the vulnerability of financial institutions to sophisticated hacking schemes. The fact that a Mukuru employee is implicated in the alleged theft raises concerns about the security protocols in place at money transfer companies and the potential for insider involvement in such crimes.

As investigations continue, authorities are actively searching for the third suspect, Tinashe Jonah Sithole, who is believed to be a key figure in the alleged fraud.