Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested at least seven suspects on Friday during a major intelligence-led crackdown targeting stolen electronic devices in Nairobi. The operation exposed an organised network involved in receiving stolen mobile phones, refurbishing and flashing devices illegally, and transporting them to neighbouring countries, primarily Uganda.
Police conducted the coordinated operation on January 23, 2026, following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Investigators focused on suspects believed to operate within informal markets where stolen electronics change hands before crossing borders. Officers said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in dismantling a growing cross-border gadget theft syndicate.
During the raid, detectives recovered more than 150 electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Officers said the recovered items linked directly to reported theft cases across Nairobi and surrounding regions. Investigators immediately began analysing the devices to identify original owners and establish theft patterns.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrests and recoveries, stating that the operation targeted individuals deeply involved in the illegal electronics trade. He said detectives focused on suspects who receive stolen gadgets, alter device identities, and coordinate transportation to buyers outside Kenya.
According to Amin, several recovered devices showed clear signs of tampering. Detectives found evidence of flashing, factory resets, and dismantling meant to erase ownership records and defeat tracking systems. Other devices still contained personal data belonging to victims, strengthening cases against the suspects.
“Some gadgets are dismantled and sold as spare parts, making tracing extremely difficult despite active theft reports,” Amin said. He added that similar operations were ongoing in other areas as part of a broader crackdown on organised electronic theft networks.
One of the key arrests involved a Ugandan national in Shauri Moyo. Detectives raided her residence after receiving intelligence linking her to the cross-border movement of stolen devices. During the search, officers recovered 75 assorted mobile phones packed inside three boxes sealed with yellow tape, along with two laptops.
Investigators believe the suspect acted as a critical link between receivers operating within Kenya and buyers based in Uganda. Police said she coordinated storage and dispatch of stolen gadgets awaiting transportation across the border.
Detectives arrested another Ugandan national in the same area as part of the ongoing investigations. Police said both suspects worked closely within the same supply chain and maintained contact with transport facilitators.
In a separate operation along Ronald Ngala Street, officers arrested a Kenyan suspect at his shop. Detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from the premises. Investigators believe the suspect coordinated the logistics required to move the gadgets from Nairobi to Uganda.
Police said the suspect relied on Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to ferry the devices discreetly across the border. Detectives identified specific routes and drivers allegedly used repeatedly for transportation.
Officers also arrested a loader believed to play a crucial role in the network. Police said he ensured stolen devices were loaded onto designated vehicles and handed over to trusted drivers. Investigators described his role as essential in maintaining the smooth movement of gadgets within the syndicate.
In Ngumba Estate, detectives arrested a woman found in possession of two mobile phones and two laptops. Officers later searched her shop and recovered 21 assorted phone components and casings. Investigators said the items pointed to illegal refurbishment activities meant to break devices into untraceable parts.
Police launched further inquiries to determine her level of involvement within the wider network. Detectives said early findings suggested coordination with other suspects already in custody.
In another arrest, officers apprehended a suspect at his residence and recovered 46 assorted mobile phones. Investigators linked the devices to multiple theft reports filed in different parts of the city. Detectives immediately began device analysis to trace ownership records.
Police later arrested the suspect’s alleged accomplice at a garage in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. Officers recovered eight mobile phones and one laptop from him during the arrest. Investigators believe the garage served as a temporary holding point before devices entered the transportation phase.
DCI officers said the arrested suspects formed part of a wider syndicate that operates across Nairobi and extends into neighbouring countries. Detectives continue to trace additional suspects believed to finance, coordinate, and protect the network.
Investigators said the syndicate relies heavily on informal markets and trusted intermediaries to avoid detection. Payments reportedly occur after successful delivery of gadgets across the border, making enforcement difficult without coordinated intelligence operations.
Police stressed that mobile phone theft remains a persistent challenge in parts of Nairobi. Officers said theft cases often involve snatching incidents, including crimes linked to motorcycle riders and opportunistic attacks in crowded areas.
Detectives said public cooperation remains critical in fighting gadget theft. Police urged victims to report theft incidents promptly and provide accurate device identification details to aid recovery efforts.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Officers confirmed that detectives will arraign the suspects in court once they complete investigations and compile evidence.
DCI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling organised theft networks and disrupting cross-border criminal operations. Police said the January 23 operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and cross-unit coordination.
Investigators warned that similar crackdowns will continue in Nairobi and other urban centres as authorities intensify efforts to curb electronic device theft and trafficking.
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