Police tackle SIM card fraud despite complex hurdles

The Namibian Police say SIM card fraud cases are being investigated, but progress is often slowed by the complex and technical nature of the crimes, which often involve multiple institutions.

Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, speaking to Namibian Sun, said once a victim reports a case, it undergoes a formal classification process before being assigned to the relevant investigation unit or officer.

“The investigator obtains court authorisation to request subscriber or communication data and works in collaboration with the network provider to retrieve SIM registration details, technical logs and relevant patterns and links,” she explained.

She added that victims must also provide supporting evidence to assist the investigation. Once a suspect is identified, they are arrested and charged, and the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

Her remarks come amid growing public frustration over mobile-linked scams, many involving fraudulent SIM registrations and stolen identities.

Shikwambi conceded that arrests in SIM card scams may appear slow but stressed that several suspects have been successfully apprehended. “These cases are complex because of structural, evidential, technical and legal challenges,” she noted.

Difficult but doable

Fraudsters, she said, often operate with SIM cards registered using stolen identity documents, forged paperwork or prepaid numbers bought for once-off use and later discarded. In many cases, by the time victims report the crime, the SIM card is already inactive, the device is no longer in use and the stolen funds are withdrawn.

Shikwambi underlined that investigators are not lax in pursuing the culprits and remain determined to catch them.

However, she stressed that the nature of the scams is “structurally complex.”

Operationally, the police's commercial crime investigators work closely with mobile communication providers and financial institutions.

Subscriber information is only accessed through proper legal channels, including court-approved requests. Prosecutors also assess investigation dockets, advise on further evidence required and ensure cases meet evidentiary thresholds before they proceed to court.

Shikwambi added that investigative delays can also stem from the unique merits of each case, the structure of the offence, the technological systems involved and the level of cooperation from victims.

Assisting the police

The police appeal comes against the backdrop of a recent Namibian Sun report in which MTC said its systems are completely separate from those of commercial banks and that it cannot access customers’ banking information.

Corporate affairs manager John Ekongo said the company cooperates with law enforcement when formally requested and suspends numbers once fraudulent activity is detected.

Shikwambi urged the public to remain vigilant, protect their identity documents and SIM cards and report suspicious activity immediately.

She also warned against allowing others to register SIM cards in their names or acting as intermediaries, conduct that could amount to complicity in criminal activity.

“Ultimately, scammers are identified, arrested, prosecuted and held accountable,” she said.

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