Police in Nairobi have arrested at least seven individuals in a major crackdown on a network suspected of dealing in stolen electronic gadgets, recovering more than 150 devices in the process.
The operation, carried out on January 23, 2026, focused on people thought to be involved in acquiring, refurbishing, and transporting stolen phones, tablets, and laptops to neighbouring countries, particularly Uganda.
Investigators said the suspects are believed to run a cross-border scheme where stolen devices are collected, sometimes tampered with through flashing or factory resets, and then moved across the border, with payments reportedly made after delivery. Efforts to trace additional members of the network are ongoing.
According to the DCI’s Operation Support Unit, the syndicate is suspected of using informal markets to handle stolen electronics, with some gadgets dismantled and sold as spare parts, making recovery and tracing difficult.
“Some gadgets are dismantled and sold as spare parts, making it difficult to trace them despite ongoing investigations into reported theft cases,” said DCI Director Mohamed Amin. He added that similar operations are being conducted in other parts of the city to curb theft.
During the raid, detectives recovered 150 mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops. A Ugandan national arrested in Shauri Moyo had 75 mobile phones packed in three boxes sealed with yellow tape, along with two laptops. Police said she is suspected of linking buyers in Uganda to receivers in Kenya.
Another Ugandan national was also arrested in Shauri Moyo, while a Kenyan suspect was apprehended at his shop on Ronald Ngala Street, where detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones. Police said he is believed to have organised the transportation of the devices to Uganda using Public Service Vehicles.
A loader was also arrested for allegedly facilitating the loading of the stolen gadgets onto vehicles. In Ngumba Estate, a woman was arrested with two laptops and two mobile phones, and a search of her shop yielded 21 phone parts and casings. Police are still investigating her role in the network.
Elsewhere, a suspect was arrested at his home with 46 mobile phones, while an accomplice was detained at a garage in Industrial Area in possession of eight phones and a laptop. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as police continue to investigate what they describe as a larger syndicate spanning multiple locations.
Authorities warned that theft of mobile phones remains a pressing problem in some parts of Nairobi, with ongoing investigations into related incidents, including snatchings involving motorcycles and public disturbances linked to such crimes.
