3 suspects arrested as police recover stolen mobile phones

Police in Nairobi have arrested three suspects and recovered dozens of stolen electronic devices in a major crackdown on mobile phone theft syndicates.

The suspects were apprehended on June 13, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Nairobi Area along Tsavo Street in the Central Business District (CBD).

“During the operation, three suspects were arrested,” police said in a statement.

In the raid, police recovered 75 mobile phones, seven computers, one microscope, and 20 Universal Flashing Interface (UFI) gadgets believed to be used in tampering with phone software

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, with authorities confirming they will be arraigned in court.

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) cautioned members of the public against engaging in illegal mobile phone trade or purchasing devices from unauthorised dealers, warning that such actions fuel criminal networks.

NPS urged the public to report suspicious activities and refrain from buying gadgets from unverified sources.

On May 24, 2025, at least six suspects were arrested, and assorted stolen mobile phones were recovered from them in an operation in Nairobi.

Police said they also recovered Sh614,000 from the suspects, which they believe are proceeds of the crime.

Police say some of the stolen gadgets are usually tampered with and resold to unsuspecting buyers. Others are sold to neighbouring countries for use.

Police have in the past arrested and charged some suspects with serious offences like robbery with violence and murder in such operations.

This was after it emerged the gadgets were violently robbed from the owners, some of which led to deaths or serious injuries.

NPS continues to monitor and dismantle mobile phone theft syndicates across the country.