Police recovers 289 phones /DCI Detectives in Kisii have recovered hundreds of suspected stolen mobile phones following a coordinated operation targeting an alleged phone theft syndicate operating within Kisii Township.
In a statement on Thursday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said officers from Kisii Central Police Station, working jointly with officials from a mobile device financing company, conducted a raid at a building after the arrest of a suspect believed to be linked to the illegal trade.
The agency said the operation led to the recovery of 289 mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from victims in different parts of the country.
“Detectives from Kisii Central, alongside officers from M-KOPA Kenya Limited, recovered hundreds of suspected stolen mobile phones during a meticulously coordinated raid,” DCI said.
According to investigators, the operation followed the earlier arrest of a suspect believed to be a key player in the handling and resale of stolen phones.
Officers later returned to the premises for what DCI described as an “intense search and recovery mission”.
During the raid, detectives recovered 56 smartphones linked to the financing company and another 233 assorted mobile phones of different brands and models.
“During the operation, officers recovered 56 M-KOPA HMD and Nokia smartphones, along with two hundred and 33 assorted mobile phones,” DCI said.
The recovered devices were seized and detained pending forensic examination to establish ownership and determine whether they were linked to reported theft cases.
Authorities said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing processing ahead of arraignment in court.
The latest operation highlights growing concerns over organised mobile phone theft syndicates, which police say are fueling a thriving black market for stolen devices in towns and cities across the country.
Cases of phone snatching and robbery targeting pedestrians, commuters and matatu passengers have continued to rise in urban centres, with many stolen gadgets ending up in illegal resale networks.
The DCI said it remains committed to dismantling criminal syndicates involved in phone theft and trafficking.
“The DCI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling mobile phone theft syndicates and bringing perpetrators to justice,” the agency said.
The recovered phones are expected to undergo forensic analysis before possible identification and release to rightful owners.
Similarly, on April 7, 2026, police in Nairobi arrested two suspects and recovered 227 stolen mobile phones and other electronics during a dawn raid in Dagoretti in what authorities described as one of the biggest recoveries in recent months.
The operation, conducted by officers from Muthangari Police Station, also led to the seizure of laptops, tablets, a television set, a soundbar and dismantled phones believed to be linked to organised phone theft syndicates operating within the city.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing second-hand phones from unverified dealers, warning that some devices circulating in the market could be stolen property.
Authorities also encouraged victims of phone theft to promptly report incidents and share device identification details to aid tracing and recovery efforts.
The agency further appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that could assist ongoing investigations into criminal networks involved in electronic theft.
“Call 0800 722 203 toll-free or WhatsApp 0709 570 000 to report anonymously,” DCI said.
Authorities have constantly warned that the illegal market for stolen electronics continued to fuel violent robberies and phone snatching incidents in estates, matatus and busy streets.
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