Africa-Press – Kenya. At least seven suspects were arrested on Friday, and more than 150 stolen electronic devices recovered following an intelligence-led operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi.
Police said the operation, conducted on January 23, 2026, targeted individuals suspected to be involved in the receipt of stolen mobile phones, illegal refurbishment and flashing of devices, and the transportation of the gadgets to neighbouring countries, mainly Uganda.
Investigators said efforts to trace additional suspects were ongoing.
According to the DCI’s Operation Support Unit, the suspected network is believed to facilitate the movement of stolen electronic devices through informal markets, with payments allegedly made upon delivery across the border.
During the operation, detectives recovered 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets and six laptops.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin said some of the recovered devices appeared to have been tampered with through flashing and factory resets, while others still contained details believed to belong to their original owners.
“Some gadgets are dismantled and sold as spare parts, making it difficult to trace them despite ongoing investigations into reported theft cases,” Amin said, adding that similar operations were being carried out in other areas.
Police said one Ugandan national was arrested in Shauri Moyo, where a search at her residence led to the recovery of 75 assorted mobile phones packed in three boxes sealed with yellow tape, as well as two laptops.
Investigators said she is suspected of acting as a link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda.
Another Ugandan national was also arrested in Shauri Moyo in connection with the same investigations, while a Kenyan suspect was arrested at his shop along Ronald Ngala Street.
Detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones at the premises.
Police said he is suspected of coordinating the transportation of the gadgets to Uganda through Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators.
A loader was also arrested and is suspected of facilitating the transportation of the devices by ensuring they were loaded onto vehicles driven by specific drivers, police said.
Another woman was arrested in Ngumba Estate while in possession of two mobile phones and two laptops.
A subsequent search at her shop led to the recovery of 21 assorted phone components and casings.
Police said investigations were ongoing to establish her role in the alleged network.
In a separate arrest, police said a suspect was apprehended at his residence, where 46 assorted mobile phones were recovered.
His alleged accomplice was arrested at a garage in Nairobi’s Industrial Area while in possession of eight mobile phones and one laptop.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue into what police describe as a wider cross-border theft and trafficking network.
Police noted that incidents of mobile phone theft remain a concern in some parts of the city, with investigations ongoing into related reports, including cases involving motorcycle-related snatchings and crowd responses following such incidents.
