LAMU: In Mpeketoni yesterday, police apprehended four individuals involved in mobile phone hacking and seized a collection of phones in their possession.

The suspects, apprehended at various locations within Mpeketoni town, were identified as Paul Kinywa Katiuki, Sidi Joyce Shida, Eliud Ng’ang’a, and John Mutembei.

These individuals are suspected to be part of a notorious syndicate aiding pickpockets in unlocking stolen phones. Additionally, authorities suspect they manipulate the settings of M-Kopa phones purchased on installment plans.

“On the 5th of June 2024, at approximately 1:00 PM, officers from Mpeketoni Police Station, in collaboration with M-Kopa police liaison and staff, acted on information provided by members of the public to conduct operations within Mpeketoni township to combat mobile phone theft, hacking, and tampering,” as per a police report filed at Mpeketoni Police Station.

During the operation, law enforcement recovered a total of 76 phones, including 22 M-Kopa phones, along with seven hard drives and three Miracle boxes utilized for flashing phones.

All suspects were subsequently detained at Mpeketoni Police Station for further investigation.