Authorities have recovered dozens of stolen electronic devices during a major raid targeting a phone theft syndicate operating within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The operation, led by law enforcement officers from the Central Police Station, resulted in the arrest of several key suspects believed to be part of an organised criminal network responsible for the theft and illegal resale of mobile devices in the area.
One of the main suspects, identified as Victor Kimani, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly tampering with the IMEI numbers of stolen phones in a bid to conceal their original identity, a common tactic used to make stolen phones untraceable. Tampering with IMEI numbers is a serious offense, as it facilitates the illegal circulation of stolen mobile devices in both formal and informal markets.
Following a brief interrogation of the suspect, officers were led to a nearby business premises located at Intermark Business Centre. There, two more individuals believed to be his accomplices, Marvine Wangundo and Jeremiah Njoroge, were also arrested. The business premises are suspected to have served as a hub for modifying and reselling stolen electronics.
A comprehensive search of the premises led to the recovery of at least seventy mobile phones and other electronic devices. Among the items retrieved were 36 Samsung phones, 23 Vivo phones, 2 Nokia phones, 1 LG phone, 1 HMD phone, 1 Tecno phone, and 1 Motorola phone. Additionally, authorities recovered six M-Kopa Samsung phones and two M-Kopa Nokia phones, devices typically registered under pay-as-you-go plans. Also found were two Vivo phone motherboards and several phones that had been stripped of their back covers, indicating attempts at further tampering.
Beyond mobile devices, law enforcement officers also recovered multiple computer components including two Dell CPUs, two HP Elite CPUs, and one desktop computer, suggesting the presence of equipment used for altering phone software and IMEI registration.
The three suspects are currently in custody as authorities continue with their investigations. The devices recovered are expected to assist in tracing victims of phone theft and strengthening the case against the suspects ahead of their arraignment in court.
