Nairobi, Kenya
Detectives from the Central Police Station in Nairobi have dismantled a major phone theft syndicate operating within the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of dozens of stolen mobile phones and computer components.
Key Suspect Victor Kimani Arrested in Nairobi CBD
In a coordinated, intelligence-led crackdown, police officers arrested Victor Kimani, a known figure in the city’s phone black market. Kimani was caught red-handed while tampering with IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones—a tactic used to erase device identities and evade tracking.
His arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI Kenya) to curb rising cases of mobile phone theft and digital fraud in urban centers.
📌 Related: How to report stolen phones to DCI Kenya via USSD
Accomplices Nabbed at Intermark Business Centre
Following Kimani’s interrogation, officers were led to the Intermark Business Centre, a known hotspot for phone repairs and unauthorized modifications. There, two more suspects, Marvine Wangundo and Jeremiah Njoroge, were arrested on the spot.
A search of the premises revealed an astonishing cache of stolen electronics, including:
- 36 Samsung smartphones
- 23 Vivo smartphones
- 2 Nokia, 1 LG, 1 HMD, 1 Tecno, and 1 Motorola
- 6 M-Kopa Samsung phones
- 2 M-Kopa Nokia phones
- 2 Vivo motherboards
- 2 Dell CPUs, 2 HP Elite CPUs, and 1 desktop computer
Many of the recovered devices had their back covers removed and serial numbers erased, confirming the syndicate’s intent to resell them in disguise.
Police Step Up Anti-Cybercrime Efforts
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed. Authorities have emphasized that owners of stolen phones can identify and reclaim their property by reporting to Central Police with proof of ownership.
This operation highlights growing concerns about cyber and tech-related crimes in Kenya. According to a recent report by the Communications Authority of Kenya, mobile phone theft and unauthorized device reselling contribute significantly to the black market economy.
📌 Also Read: Mombasa woman arrested smuggling drugs in her stomach
Public Warned Against Buying Phones from Unverified Sources
The Nairobi Police have issued a stern warning to members of the public against purchasing mobile phones from unlicensed vendors. Buyers are encouraged to verify IMEI numbers on platforms like IMEI.info to ensure the authenticity of devices.
This latest bust reflects an intensified campaign by law enforcement to safeguard digital assets and restore public trust in the city’s tech markets.
For ongoing updates on this story and other trending Kenyan crime news, visit our News Section.
