DCI Nabs Two Foreigners Behind Nairobi Phone Thefts

Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters along Kiambu Road
Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters along Kiambu Road
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on Wednesday, October 14, arrested two foreign nationals over increased burglary cases reported at Karuri area, Kiambu County.

In a statement by the DCI, the two foreigners, upon further probing, led officers to a phone repair shop in Eastleigh estate, Nairobi where the police managed to recover stolen goods.

"Upon interrogation of the two suspects, the detectives proceeded to 1st Avenue in Eastleigh where they raided Diligent Phone Repair Shop and recovered hundreds of assorted mobile phones and laptops suspected to be stolen goods," read part of the statement.

Police officers at a scene in a previous incident
Police officers at a scene of crime in a previous incident in Nairobi County in June 2020.
Photo
DCI



Four more suspects, believed to be part of the syndicate were also arrested and processed for arraignment in court. The recovered items have been kept as exhibits.

The national police service on Wednesday, October 14, invited Kenyans who have lost phones, laptops and cameras in the recent past to go to the Nairobi Regional Police Headquarters (Opposite Integrity House) and identify their property.

In the recent past, there have been numerous arrests and recoveries conducted by the DCI after an escalation in cases of theft. 

Earlier in the year, DCI sleuths recovered 262 mobile phones, computers and accessories from a suspected theft ring based in Kayole and Central Business District.

There are numerous ploys robbers use to snatch mobile phones and personal effects from Kenyans, either in public service vehicles or on the streets, with the most popular tactic being the snatching of phones in traffic.

Stolen electronic goods are later sold as second-hand on popular online-retail websites to unsuspecting customers, who could later end up getting arrested and charged with the theft and handling of stolen goods.

According to a comprehensive report released by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in May 2020, Nairobi residents stand a high probability of being victims of crime on any given day.

The council went on to highlight crimes of opportunity such as pickpockets and thieves who often carry out snatch-and-grab attacks in crowded areas and from vehicles idling in traffic, relieving pedestrians or drivers of purses, cell phones or other easily accessible belongings. 

DCI Director Geroge Kinoti reads through the Talino forensics workstation manual on April 28, 2020.
DCI Director Geroge Kinoti reads through the Talino forensics workstation manual on April 28, 2020.
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