KERON Bruce, a well-known photographer from Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), has been found guilty of cybercrime.
The decision was handed down on Friday by Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

Bruce, 37, was convicted of using the online cartoon persona “Mudwata” to spread false information and slander against local media worker Leroy Smith.
Bruce was fined $3 million for his actions, with a stipulation that he will face six months in jail if he is unable to pay the fine.
He used a computer system to disseminate information about Smith, knowing same to be false, and which subjected Smith to public ridicule, contempt, hatred or embarrassment. The offence was committed on January 25, 2022, at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The case, which first came to light in January 2021, began when Smith reported to the police that he was the target of a vicious cyber harassment campaign.
The harassment was carried out under the pseudonym “Mudwata,” an online figure known for provocative and often defamatory content. Smith, frustrated by the ongoing attacks, offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the identification of the person behind “Mudwata.”
Following an investigation, police arrested Bruce and seized several pieces of electronic equipment, which he admitted to owning, from his home. The police were also able to acquire some voice messages, which when analysed, allegedly matched the ‘Mudwata’ commentary.
Bruce, who had consistently denied the charges, maintained his innocence throughout the trial. Represented by attorney Bernard Da Silva, he argued that the evidence against him was circumstantial and did not conclusively prove that he was behind the “Mudwata” persona.

However, Magistrate Scarce found the prosecution’s case compelling, particularly the voice analysis linking Bruce to the defamatory content. Bruce had been out on $100,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of his trial. He is likely to appeal Friday’s decision