DEC Says Evana Estates Digital Lab Targeted ECZ Systems in Suspected Cybercrime Network

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says new digital forensic evidence has emerged linking a clandestine computer laboratory allegedly operated by suspects arrested at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka, to suspected attempts to compromise strategic Government information systems, including systems linked to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The development follows the arrest of 79 […]

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says new digital forensic evidence has emerged linking a clandestine computer laboratory allegedly operated by suspects arrested at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka, to suspected attempts to compromise strategic Government information systems, including systems linked to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

The development follows the arrest of 79 people during a joint State security operation conducted on August 23, 2026, at Evana Estates.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said specialised digital forensic investigations conducted after the arrests had uncovered evidence suggesting that the digital laboratory was intended to compromise the security, integrity and availability of strategic Government information systems and data.

According to the DEC, systems linked to the ECZ were among those allegedly targeted.

The Commission said the individuals had no legal authority to operate a computer laboratory in Zambia and alleged that the activities at the premises were conducted secretly and deceptively.

The DEC said the findings have raised serious concerns because Government computer systems process and store information considered critical to the functioning of the State.

The Commission warned that unauthorised access, alteration, destruction, disclosure or disruption of Government systems could have serious consequences, including the compromise of sensitive information, disruption of public services, identity-related crimes and financial and reputational losses.

The DEC further noted that cyberattacks can extend beyond Government databases and affect critical infrastructure supporting public administration and financial services.

The latest development adds a cybercrime dimension to the wider investigations surrounding the 79 people apprehended during the joint security operation.

The DEC said Zambia has instituted advanced measures to detect, investigate and prosecute cybercrime, with investigations guided by various pieces of legislation, including the Penal Code, the State Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act.

The Commission specifically pointed to provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act that prohibit unauthorised access to computer systems and data.

It said a person who intentionally and without lawful authority, or beyond the authority granted to them, infringes a security measure or accesses or monitors another person’s computer system may face arrest and prosecution.

The DEC warned that it would not tolerate the use of digital technology to threaten national security, compromise Government systems, steal information, disrupt essential services or facilitate other criminal activities.

However, the Commission stressed that the 79 people apprehended in connection with the matter remain entitled to their constitutional and legal rights.

“The Commission reiterates that all persons apprehended in connection with this matter will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Zambia,” the statement said.

The DEC said the rights of the suspects would be respected throughout the investigative and judicial processes.

The Commission has also urged members of the public to use digital technologies responsibly and avoid attempts to gain unauthorised access to computer systems, websites, databases, networks or electronic accounts.

Members of the public who discover or suspect attempts to compromise critical computer systems have been encouraged to report such incidents to the relevant authorities rather than attempting to investigate or retaliate against suspected perpetrators themselves.

The DEC said further information would be released when appropriate and lawful, while ensuring that ongoing investigations and any judicial proceedings are not compromised.

The allegations contained in the DEC statement remain subject to the ongoing investigative and judicial processes, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.