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Stingray-Like Device Enables Blackmail In S. Africa

Posted by timothy on from the abuse-of-power-is-one-way-to-spot-power dept.

New submitter PalmAndy writes to note that: South African Police nabbed some criminals using an IMSI catcher device, similar to a Stingray, in Johannesburg. The article says that it was made in Israel and is worth $2 million. A follow-on story says that it was used for tender manipulation and blackmail of Government officials. A corrupt government official helped procure this device, which in theory is only sold to goverments."

3 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. define "tender" by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 4, Informative

    Tender

    A call for tenders, or invitation to tender (ITT) (often called tender for short) is a special procedure for generating competing offers from different bidders looking to obtain an award of business activity in works, supply, or service contracts. They are usually preceded by a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ).

    sounds like they used it to win government contracts and blackmail government officials that didn't play nice.

    --
    Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
  2. Re:"Stingray-like" by geekmux · · Score: 3, Informative

    "Stingray" is a trademark name for a device that is generically called IMSI-catcher. You wouldn't call a smartphone an "iPhone-like device".

    "Ignorance" is a term often used to describe those asking for a pair of Vise Grips to get a better hold on the power of brand marketing without being able to grasp the irony that they don't know the tool by any other name...

  3. New jobs by johanw · · Score: 3, Informative

    For security people scanning for these devices. I'm sure an "official" IMSI catcher detector will cost millions as well, however, there are free detection programs for rooted Android phones, like https://github.com/SecUpwN/And... and https://opensource.srlabs.de/p...