A multi-agency team led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) has apprehended 7 suspects linked to mobile phone snatching and theft in Nairobi.
In a statement on Saturday, DCI said the 7 suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation in various parts of the capital city.
According to the DCI, the seven individuals are suspected of masterminding the crime and trading the phones on the black market
During the operation, the detectives recovered 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops from different locations across Nairobi, which were registered.
Among those arrested was Nambajwe Zaina, alias Aisha Nalubanga, a Ugandan national arrested in Shauri Moyo, where detectives recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from her residence.
Investigations established that she acts as the link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda, working closely with several accomplices, among them Kalyowo Sam, who was also arrested in Shauri Moyo.
The detectives also arrested James Mwangi Gachoka at his shop at Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street and recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from the premises.
At Kangemi Bus Station, Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader at Starways Express, was also arrested for facilitating the movement of the consignments through selected drivers.
In Ngumba Estate, Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine was arrested with two phones and two laptops, while additional phone components were recovered from her shop, Jamki Accessories, along Tom Mboya Street.
In Thome Estate, Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri was arrested after 46 assorted mobile phones were recovered from his residence.
Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in the Industrial Area, where detectives recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his motor vehicle.
“Notably, several recovered phones had their operating systems interfered with through flashing or factory resets, while others were dismantled and sold as spare parts,” DCI stated.
