DCI: OCS Taalam’s mobile line misused while in custody

Inspector Moses Adeli from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, presented a report at the Milimani Magistrate Court detailing suspicious activity involving a mobile phone number registered under OCS Central Police Station, Samson Taalam.

In his presentation, the officer said investigations had revealed unauthorised SIM swap activity and possible misuse of the mobile line linked to Taalam’s number, even as he remained in custody.

Inspector Adeli told the court that the original mobile phone and SIM card used by the OCS before his arrest were secured at Lang’ata, where he was detained on June 15.

A day later, on June 16, records showed a SIM replacement request was made from a different location through a third-party agency.

“Analysis reveals the SIM card associated with the number registered to Taalam was swapped and activated on another device,” the inspector testified.

Further forensic analysis indicated that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers tied to the number had changed at least three times. This, he noted, pointed to attempts by unknown individuals to evade detection.

The report also stated that while Taalam remained in custody, his original phone and SIM card had already been secured by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as exhibits. Despite this, the line reportedly remained active on multiple devices in various locations.

“The continued use of the number, despite the owner being in custody and his devices seized, indicates unauthorised access,” Adeli added.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the identities of those behind the SIM swap and alleged misuse of the OCS’s phone line.

DCI officers have since arrested a suspect in connection with the SIM swap.

He was arraigned in court on Monday under a miscellaneous application.

The court granted a request to detain him for seven days pending further investigations, with a mention set for next Monday.

During the arrest, detectives recovered three mobile phones, 29 used SIM cards, and 13 unused SIM cards.

The recovered items are yet to undergo forensic examination.

Prosecutors confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to establish the identities of other accomplices.