Police officers in Nairobi have arrested three individuals and recovered dozens of stolen electronic devices following a targeted operation in the Central Business District (CBD).
According to a statement issued by the National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, the arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation conducted along Tsavo Street on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Targeted operation launched
The Friday swoop, initiated by officers from the Nairobi Area, followed a trail of intelligence pointing to an active mobile phone theft and flashing syndicate in the area.
The suspects were apprehended in possession of 75 mobile phones, seven computers, one microscope, and 20 Universal Flashing Interface (UFI) gadgets, equipment typically used to wipe and reprogram stolen devices.
Police noted that such tools are often used by criminal syndicates to disguise stolen phones and resell them to unsuspecting members of the public.
Suspects in custody
The three suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue. The authorities say they are building a case against the trio and expect to charge them in court in the coming days.
“The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, pending arraignment in court,” the statement read.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending further questioning and verification.
Officers also confirmed that the recovered phones are being processed and matched with reported theft cases across various police stations in Nairobi.
The microscope and computers, believed to have been used in tampering with phone components, are also under forensic review.
Warning
In their statement, the NPS urged the public to refrain from purchasing mobile phones and electronic devices from unauthorized street vendors or unlicensed dealers, warning that doing so could make one complicit in criminal activity.
“Police Service warns the public against involvement in mobile phone theft syndicates and the illegal trade of flashing stolen phones and advises them to avoid buying devices from unauthorized dealers.” the statement read.
