DCI NETS NOTORIOUS PHONE RECEIVER IN KISII, RECOVERS DOZENS OF SUSPECTED STOLEN HANDSETS

A major crackdown on the illegal mobile phone trade in Kisii has led to the arrest of a suspected notorious receiver of stolen phones and the recovery of dozens of handsets believed to have been obtained through criminal activities.

The suspect was apprehended during a targeted operation conducted by officers from Kisii Central Police Station in collaboration with representatives from M-KOPA Kenya Ltd. The raid was carried out at Uhuru Plaza in Kisii Town following actionable intelligence on the suspect's alleged involvement in handling stolen electronic devices.

During a thorough search of the premises, officers recovered nine M-KOPA mobile phones, 24 assorted mobile phones of various makes and models, nine M-KOPA HMD mobile phone batteries, and 33 additional batteries believed to have been stripped from other suspected stolen devices.

Police say the suspect is believed to be a key player in a network that receives and redistributes stolen mobile phones within the region. He is currently being held at Kisii Central Police Station pending processing and arraignment in court.

Investigators have launched efforts to trace the rightful owners of the recovered devices while pursuing leads aimed at dismantling the wider criminal network involved in the trade of stolen electronics.

The National Police Service (NPS) hailed the successful operation as a result of effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and members of the public.

"NPS remains committed to combating electronic theft and bringing all those involved in such criminal enterprises to justice," the service said in a statement.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the nearest police station, emergency numbers 999 and 911, the toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

The arrest comes amid increased efforts by security agencies to crack down on phone theft syndicates that have been targeting unsuspecting Kenyans across the country.