NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have arrested two suspects after recovering more than 900 suspected stolen mobile phones during a major intelligence-led operation targeting an inter-country phone theft syndicate operating in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The operation, conducted by officers from the Nairobi Central Sub-County along Charles Rubia Street, led to the interception of two parcels that were being prepared for transportation to Uganda.
The area is a known transit hub for goods destined for upcountry routes and neighbouring countries.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers grew suspicious after identifying the packages, which were being handled by courier operators.
Upon inspection, detectives uncovered a large consignment of mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
“Upon opening the packages, the officers were greeted by a shocking sight — an assortment of stolen mobile phones, numbering approximately 900,” the DCI said in a statement.
The two suspects were arrested at the scene after failing to give a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or source of the phones.
Preliminary investigations suggest they are part of a wider, well-coordinated syndicate involved in mobile phone theft within Nairobi.
Detectives believe the group targets unsuspecting members of the public as well as mobile phone shops, before transporting the stolen devices to neighbouring countries to evade detection and maximise profits.
The syndicate is suspected to be using courier services and public transport routes to move the phones across borders, taking advantage of the high demand for second-hand mobile devices in the region.
SUSPECTS ARRESTED, OVER 900 STOLEN MOBILE PHONES RECOVERED IN NAIROBI CBDA team of Detectives from Nairobi Central Sub-County has apprehended two individuals linked to an inter-country phone theft syndicate, recovering a consignment of over 900 stolen mobile phones.Acting on
Following their arrest, the suspects were escorted to Nairobi Central Police Station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue.
Police say they will be arraigned in court once inquiries are concluded.
The recovery marks one of the largest single hauls of stolen mobile phones in recent months and comes just days after another operation on January 24, 2026, in which detectives recovered more than 150 stolen phones within the city.
The DCI says the back-to-back recoveries signal an intensified crackdown on mobile phone theft networks, which have continued to fuel financial losses and insecurity among the public.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains committed to the fight against mobile phone theft through continuous intelligence-led operations across the country,” the agency said.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities involving mobile phone sales, repairs or transportation.
Information can be shared anonymously through the Fichua Kwa DCI initiative by calling 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
