8 suspects arrested as police burst phone theft syndicate in Kilimani

Officers at Kilimani police station acted on tips from members of the public about potential illegal operations involving electronic items.

The intelligence-led raid took place at Chelezo Apartments along Kindaruma Road. 

According to police, the occupants refused to open the door when officers identified themselves, prompting police to force entry with the explicit consent of the property owner. 

Inside the two-bedroom apartment, police apprehended seven Kenyan nationals and one Tanzanian national.

The suspects have been identified as Edith Adhiambo Omondi, Bright Dudical, Alex Ndoro Mutunga, Charles Nicholas Asuma, Junior Kioko Mateta, Peter Mweta Kariuki, Victor Kioko Ntheba, and Fikiri Rashid Abdalla, who holds a Tanzanian emergency travel document.

A comprehensive search of the premises turned up gunny bags filled with assorted mobile phone motherboards, a money counting machine, a weighing scale, magnifying lenses, and a full kit of specialized electronic repair tools. 

Officers also seized Ksh.30,000 in cash during the operation. 

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel from the Nairobi Area team processed and documented the scene, securing all items to serve as exhibits. 

All eight suspects are currently held in custody at the Kilimani Police Station as investigations continue into the suspected syndicate handling stolen electronic property within Nairobi and its surrounding areas.

Police believe this is part of a wider cross-border syndicate involved in the theft and smuggling of stolen electronic devices in the East African region.