An intelligence-led operation by Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) detectives have led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be the masterminds of a black-market network dealing in stolen mobile phones within Githogoro area of Runda.
While announcing the major breakthrough, the DCI stated that the operation leading to the arrest of the two was conducted on Thursday night following a credible intelligence.
“The late-night operation, conducted yesterday at around 2037hrs, followed credible and actionable intelligence received by detectives concerning a disreputable syndicate involved in receiving and trading stolen mobile devices,” DCI said in statement.
Detectives from the DCI Operations Action Team (OAT), alongside officers from DCI Gigiri, and Runda Police Station, discreetly mobilized and set out to dismantle the illicit enterprise.
The investigative agency stated that officers stormed a shop suspected to be a covert hub for the illegal trade, operating under the name “E7 Cosmetics” within Githogoro.
Upon entry, the detectives found two adult males inside the establishment who identified themselves as the proprietors of the business. The duo was later identified as Tobias Oduor and Nickson Indasia.
After conducting a thorough search inside the cosmetic shop, the officers uncovered a cache of suspected stolen electronic devices.
“The haul included 65 serviceable mobile phones, 7 laptops, and 52 dismantled assorted mobile phones, strongly pointing to an operation where stolen gadgets were either resold or stripped for parts,” DCI said.
The duo was further interrogated about the recovered items but failed to provide a credible explanation regarding the ownership and source of the electronics, raising suspicion that the premises were used to dispose of stolen property.
During further questioning, investigators confirmed that one of the recovered phones had been stolen from a victim at Ruaka Stage, linking the suspects to a wider network of mobile thefts in the area.
Authorities have documented and secured all recovered electronics as exhibits, as investigations work to dismantle the criminal network.
Meanwhile, the two suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court to face appropriate charges.
