Three individuals have been arrested and a cache of stolen electronic devices recovered following a major police operation targeting mobile phone theft syndicates in Nairobi.
The arrests took place on June 13, 2025, during a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Nairobi Area. The operation was carried out along Tsavo Street in the city’s Central Business District (CBD), a known hotspot for illegal electronics trade.
According to police, the raid led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a broader criminal network involved in phone theft, tampering, and resale. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement recovered a significant haul of electronic items. Among the seized goods were 75 mobile phones, seven computers, a microscope, and 20 Universal Flashing Interface (UFI) devices. These UFIs are commonly used in altering or erasing phone data, a practice that enables criminals to bypass security settings before reselling stolen gadgets.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities confirmed that the individuals will be arraigned once preliminary inquiries are completed. Police believe the recovered items may link the suspects to multiple cases of phone theft reported in recent weeks.
The National Police Service has warned the public against engaging in illegal mobile phone trade or purchasing devices from unauthorized dealers. Such actions, officials noted, directly contribute to the growth of organized criminal groups. Law enforcement reiterated that buyers who knowingly or unknowingly acquire stolen electronics not only risk losing their money but may also face legal consequences.
In light of the ongoing operations, members of the public have been urged to exercise vigilance and to report any suspicious activities involving the sale or distribution of electronic gadgets. Authorities are particularly concerned about the ease with which stolen phones are altered using software manipulation tools and later sold to unsuspecting customers or trafficked to other countries.
The latest crackdown is part of a larger effort to curb the rise of organized mobile phone theft rings in urban centers. In a similar operation conducted on May 24, at least six suspects were apprehended in Nairobi, and numerous stolen mobile phones were recovered. Police also confiscated KSh614,000 believed to be proceeds of criminal activity.
Law enforcement has further revealed that some of the gadgets recovered in past raids were taken through violent means. Victims in these cases suffered severe injuries, and in some instances, fatalities were reported. This has led to suspects being charged with more serious crimes such as robbery with violence and even murder.
Efforts to dismantle these criminal syndicates are ongoing, with security agencies maintaining close surveillance on suspected areas and individuals. Police continue to stress the importance of public cooperation in their fight against this growing threat.
