NAIROBI CITY CRIME: Detectives from Nairobi’s Central Police Station have arrested a key suspect linked to a notorious phone theft syndicate that has been terrorising residents within the city’s Central Business District (CBD) and its outskirts.

Victor Kimani was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while he was allegedly tampering with the IMEI numbers of stolen phones, an attempt to conceal their identity and evade detection.

Following his arrest, Kimani led police to Intermark Business Centre, where two of his suspected accomplices—Marvine Wangundo and Jeremiah Njoroge—were also taken into custody.

A search of the premises uncovered a large cache of stolen electronics.

Among the items recovered were 36 Samsung phones, 23 Vivo phones, two Nokia phones, and several other devices including a Tecno, Motorola, LG and HMD phone.

The officers also seized six M-Kopa Samsung phones, two M-Kopa Nokia phones, and two Vivo motherboards. Many of the mobile devices had already been stripped of their back covers, indicating preparations for illegal resale or modification.

In addition to mobile phones, detectives also recovered two Dell CPUs, two HP Elite CPUs, and a desktop computer, all believed to be part of the syndicate’s operations.

The suspects are currently in police custody as detectives continue with investigations ahead of their arraignment in court.

Police say the operation marks a significant step in dismantling a syndicate that has caused distress to many phone users across the city.