Two suspects have been arrested in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County, in connection with a sophisticated mobile phone hacking and resale racket, following a tip-off from members of the public.
Officers from the National Police Service (NPS), in collaboration with liaison personnel from M-KOPA, conducted a targeted raid on a phone repair shop located near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office. During the operation, the two suspects were caught in the act of reprogramming 28 assorted mobile phones, including M-KOPA devices, believed to have been stolen or acquired through credit schemes and subsequently tampered with to avoid payment.
The raid uncovered high-end electronic equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operations. Items recovered included two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, one Pandora Box, a dongle, and a JTAG device, all of which are tools capable of altering IMEI numbers, bypassing device security features, and reprogramming phones.
Authorities believe the two suspects are part of a broader criminal syndicate that specializes in the flashing and resale of stolen or credit-bound mobile phones. The suspects are currently being held at Eldoret Police Station as forensic investigations continue.
The National Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving mobile devices. Citizens can share information anonymously through the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, 112, or via #FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203.
In a statement, the NPS warned members of the public against purchasing mobile phones from unlicensed or suspicious dealers, emphasizing that engaging in such transactions not only fuels criminal activity but also poses a risk of legal consequences.
