Editor's Review

Detectives cracked down on a suspected racket after victims reported attempts to tamper with the IMEI numbers of their phones.

Officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recovered 63 stolen phones in Nairobi and Thika.

In a police statement released on Wednesday, October 14, the DCI revealed how an intelligence-led operation saw the recovery of 57 phones in Thika.

The detectives mounted a crackdown on a suspected stolen-electronics racket after victims reported that the suspects were trying to tamper with IMEI numbers of the stolen phones.

"The detectives raided a room on the eighth floor of Aliza Plaza, where Elvis Thuita Gitau was arrested. The search led to the recovery of 57 assorted mobile phones, two tablets, two laptops, among other devices suspected to be stolen," the police report read.

Five other phones were recovered after police officers on patrol hunted down three suspects who had snatched a phone from a passenger in a public service vehicle (PSV).

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A file photo of one of the suspects posing next to the recovered mobile phones and electronics.

The officers arrested two of the suspects and impounded their motorcycle. The two led officers to a hideout where their accomplice had escaped to.

"A raid on the premises paid off, with officers arresting the third suspect, identified as Austine Mwangi, and recovering the snatched phone alongside four other mobile phones," the DCI wrote.

The other phone was recovered following a dramatic chase near the Muthaiga Mini Market Roundabout along Limuru Road.

A driver chased down a phone snatcher, who took his iPhone 15 Pro Max as he was on the phone in his personal vehicle. The police officers spotted the victim chasing after the suspect and joined in the chase before arresting him.

"Police officers on patrol witnessed the incident and swiftly joined the pursuit, bringing the suspect’s dash to an abrupt end. The stolen iPhone was recovered, and the suspect was escorted to Gigiri Police Station for processing pending arraignment," the statement continued.

The DCI have taken the recovered devices as exhibits to charge the suspects in court. Victims who have lost their devices will be allowed to retrieve them once they can prove ownership.