Police in Eldoret have dismantled a suspected mobile phone hacking syndicate operating in the heart of the town, following a successful raid that led to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of sophisticated electronics used in illegal phone modifications.
The operation, carried out on May 29, was the result of a tip-off from members of the public. Officers from the National Police Service (NPS), working in conjunction with M-KOPA’s liaison team, swooped in on a phone repair shop located near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office. The two suspects were caught in the act of flashing — or reprogramming — 28 assorted mobile phones, including devices registered under M-KOPA’s credit system.
Authorities believe the arrested individuals are part of a wider criminal network involved in tampering with stolen phones and phones obtained on credit, which are then illegally reprogrammed to avoid repayment obligations.
A search of the premises uncovered a cache of high-tech equipment suspected to be used in the operation. Among the recovered items were two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, a Pandora Box, a dongle, and a JTAG device — tools commonly used for altering IMEI numbers, bypassing mobile security protocols, and rendering stolen phones untraceable.
The suspects are currently in custody at the Eldoret Police Station as investigators carry out forensic analysis of the equipment and data retrieved. Further arrests are expected as police expand the probe into the syndicate's activities.
The National Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing mobile phones from unauthorized dealers, especially devices offered at unusually low prices. In a statement, NPS warned that involvement in such fraudulent activities, including flashing or purchasing modified phones, constitutes a criminal offense.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to their nearest police station or use the available toll-free hotlines: 999, 911, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to cracking down on cyber and digital fraud, particularly schemes targeting digital credit systems and mobile-based services that are widely used across the country.
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