City Affairs

DCI city raids: Hundreds of stolen electronic devices seized, 26 suspects arrested

Some of the stolen phones recovered from the DCI raids in Nairobi. (Photo: DCI)

By Lucy Mumbi | Wednesday, March 6, 2024

In Kamukunji, the detectives arrested three suspects and confiscated 19 suspected stolen mobile phones in two shops.

A recent crackdown by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Nairobi has led to the recovery of hundreds of electronic devices and the arrest of 26 suspects.

The operation conducted on Monday, targeted repair stalls across the city, resulting in the confiscation of stolen phones, laptops, and tablets.

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The raid is aimed at combating the electronic theft surge in the city.

In Kamukunji, the detectives arrested three suspects and confiscated 19 suspected stolen mobile phones in two shops.

The detectives later proceeded to another shop in Cianda Market, Mfangano Street in Nairobi where 10 more phones were found.

In Ruai and Kamulu areas, the officers raided an electronic shop and a mobile repair stall where they seized over 182 mobile phones, a laptop, an iPad and two heating machines.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects.

The raid was also conducted in the Lang'ata area where two suspects were arrested with 34 suspected stolen phones and 8 laptops.

In addition, four other suspects were arrested in Kasarani's Githurai 44 area in a similar operation.

Arraigned

Meanwhile, five suspected thieves who waylaid a Matopeni area resident in Mukuru Kwa Njenga have already been arraigned.

According to the detectives, the five had stolen a jacket and an OPPO phone valued at Sh20,000 from the resident.

“They were arrested by Embakasi police, who recovered the jacket and escorted them to custody,” the DCI said.

The DCI Nairobi Region Coordinator issued a stern warning to phone thieves who masquerade as phone dealers or repairers, alerting them that law enforcement is actively pursuing them.

Additionally, legitimate vendors have been advised to exercise caution when handling second-hand electronics, as they could inadvertently get involved in legal troubles.

Police said the stealing of the gadgets is linked to motorcycle operators who are behind the trend.