NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects believed to be at the centre of a black-market syndicate dealing in stolen mobile phones in the Githogoro area of Runda.
The late-night operation was carried out by officers from the DCI Operations Action Team working together with detectives from DCI Gigiri and officers from Runda Police Station.
According to investigators, the raid followed intelligence reports about a suspected network involved in receiving and trading stolen mobile devices.
During the operation, detectives stormed a shop operating under the name E7 Cosmetics in Githogoro, which authorities believe was being used as a front for the illegal trade.
Inside the premises, officers found two men who identified themselves as the business proprietors. They were later identified as Tobias Oduor and Nickson Indasia.
A search of the shop uncovered a large number of electronic devices suspected of having been stolen.
Police said the items recovered included 65 serviceable mobile phones, seven laptops, and 52 dismantled mobile phones, suggesting the operation may have involved both resale of stolen gadgets and stripping devices for spare parts.
Detectives said the suspects were unable to provide credible explanations regarding the ownership or source of the electronics when questioned.
Investigators also reported a breakthrough during the search when one of the recovered phones was positively identified as a device that had been violently snatched from a victim at the Ruaka stage earlier.
Authorities said the phone was found being used by Oduor and was later identified by its rightful owner, a resident of Ruaka.
The discovery has provided investigators with what they described as a key link between the suspects and a wider network of mobile phone theft incidents reported in the area.
All recovered devices have been documented and secured as exhibits while detectives continue investigating the suspected criminal network.
Police said the two suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to handling stolen property and other offences.
The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist authorities in combating crime.
