Seven suspects arrested in Nairobi as DCI recovers 150 stolen telephones

At least seven suspects had been arrested on Friday, and greater than 150 stolen digital units recovered following an intelligence-led operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi.

Police mentioned the operation, carried out on January 23, 2026, focused people suspected to be concerned within the receipt of stolen cellphones, unlawful refurbishment and flashing of units, and the transportation of the devices to neighbouring nations, primarily Uganda.

Investigators mentioned efforts to hint further suspects had been ongoing.

According to the DCI’s Operation Support Unit, the suspected community is believed to facilitate the motion of stolen digital units by way of casual markets, with funds allegedly made upon supply throughout the border.

During the operation, detectives recovered 150 assorted cellphones, 16 tablets and 6 laptops.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin mentioned a few of the recovered units appeared to have been tampered with by way of flashing and manufacturing unit resets, whereas others nonetheless contained particulars believed to belong to their authentic house owners.

“Some gadgets are dismantled and sold as spare parts, making it difficult to trace them despite ongoing investigations into reported theft cases,” Amin mentioned, including that related operations had been being carried out in different areas.

Police mentioned one Ugandan nationwide was arrested in Shauri Moyo, the place a search at her residence led to the restoration of 75 assorted cellphones packed in three packing containers sealed with yellow tape, in addition to two laptops.

Investigators mentioned she is suspected of performing as a hyperlink between receivers in Kenya and patrons in Uganda.

Another Ugandan nationwide was additionally arrested in Shauri Moyo in reference to the identical investigations, whereas a Kenyan suspect was arrested at his store alongside Ronald Ngala Street.

Detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 cellphones on the premises.

Police mentioned he’s suspected of coordinating the transportation of the devices to Uganda by way of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators.

A loader was additionally arrested and is suspected of facilitating the transportation of the units by making certain they had been loaded onto automobiles pushed by particular drivers, police mentioned.

Another lady was arrested in Ngumba Estate whereas in possession of two cellphones and two laptops.

A subsequent search at her store led to the restoration of 21 assorted telephone elements and casings.

Police mentioned investigations had been ongoing to ascertain her function within the alleged community.

In a separate arrest, police mentioned a suspect was apprehended at his residence, the place 46 assorted cellphones had been recovered.

His alleged confederate was arrested at a storage in Nairobi’s Industrial Area whereas in possession of eight cellphones and one laptop computer.

The suspects are anticipated to be arraigned in court docket as investigations proceed into what police describe as a wider cross-border theft and trafficking community.

Police famous that incidents of cell phone theft stay a priority in some components of the town, with investigations ongoing into associated studies, together with circumstances involving motorcycle-related snatchings and crowd responses following such incidents.