Police have recovered 132 mobile phones and arrested four suspected members of a phone theft syndicate during an intelligence-led operation in Nairobi's Kayole area, in what authorities say is part of a wider effort to dismantle criminal networks behind street phone-snatching and the illegal trade in stolen devices.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the operation was carried out by officers from Kayole Police Station in the Nyaura area after intelligence linked several suspects to the handling and distribution of stolen mobile phones. Besides the recovered handsets, officers also seized several mobile phone motherboards and two laptops believed to have been used in the illegal business.
According to the NPS, one of those arrested is believed to be a key receiver of mobile phones stolen by street snatchers, while the three others are suspected to have been involved in a series of phone-snatching incidents within the area.
Police said the operation is part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle organised phone theft syndicates that provide a ready market for stolen mobile phones, encouraging street robberies and other related crimes.
"The National Police Service has sustained its action against phone theft syndicates, disrupting criminal networks that fuel street robberies and the illegal trade in stolen mobile devices," the NPS said in a statement.
The service said intelligence gathering continues to play a key role in identifying and pursuing organised criminal groups operating within Nairobi and other parts of the country.
"Acting on intelligence, a team of officers from Kayole Police Station in Nairobi Region conducted an operation in the Nyaura area, leading to the arrest of four suspects. Among them was a man believed to be a key receiver of mobile phones stolen by street snatchers, alongside three other suspects linked to a series of phone-snatching incidents."
During the operation, officers conducted a search that led to the recovery of 132 assorted mobile phones, several mobile phone motherboards and two laptops believed to have been used in or connected to the illegal operation.
The National Police Service said investigations are still underway as detectives work to identify and arrest other suspects believed to be part of the wider criminal network.
Police maintained that the latest operation reflects their continued efforts to break up criminal enterprises dealing in stolen property and improve public safety by denying criminals a market for stolen phones.
"The operation reaffirms the National Police Service's unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises that thrive on stolen property and to protecting members of the public from opportunistic crime. Investigations remain ongoing as officers pursue all those connected to the syndicate."
The NPS also called on members of the public to continue supporting investigations by reporting suspicious activities through the nearest police station or official emergency channels. Residents can also share information through the toll-free numbers 999 and 911, the #FichuaKwaDCI reporting platform on 0800 722 203, or anonymously via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.