DCI Arrests Suspects with 900 Stolen Phones, 16 Tablets and Laptops in Nairobi

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspected members of a phone theft syndicate following an intelligence-led operation carried out in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

In a statement released on Monday, January 26, the DCI revealed that the suspects were apprehended along Charles Rubia Street near the busy Buscar bus stage. The arrest followed what detectives described as a carefully planned operation based on credible intelligence.

According to investigators, the suspects had packed dozens of stolen mobile phones into two separate consignments that were being prepared for transportation to Uganda, where the devices were intended for resale.

The arrested individuals were identified as Brian Yomasia and Stephen Okwachi Shisia. They were taken into custody at the scene and later escorted to Nairobi Central Police Station, where they are being held as police prepare to arraign them in court.

Detectives believe the two are part of a wider criminal network involved in stealing mobile phones from unsuspecting members of the public and smuggling them across borders to neighboring countries.

The latest arrests come just two days after detectives nabbed seven other suspects in Nairobi, among them a Ugandan national, who was allegedly acting as a key link between phone theft syndicates in Kenya and buyers in Uganda.

During that earlier operation, officers recovered 150 stolen mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops. Police also seized 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from the Ugandan suspect’s residence.

The DCI confirmed that some of the recovered phones had already been traced back to their rightful owners, several of whom have since reported to police stations to record statements.

Investigators noted that many of the devices had been tampered with, including factory resets, flashing of operating systems, and in some cases, dismantling for sale as spare parts.

The DCI has urged members of the public to promptly report phone theft and related crimes through the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains fully committed to combating mobile phone theft through sustained intelligence-led operations across the country,” the agency stated.