Bungoma: 2 persons of interest linked to phone theft and hacking syndicate arrested
By Mustafa Juma, July 4, 2026Detectives have arrested two persons of interest believed to be part of an organised mobile phone theft and hacking syndicate operating in Bungoma County, following weeks of investigations into a surge in phone theft and cyber-enabled crimes.
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued on Saturday, July 4, 2026, said the arrests were made after investigators conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting the criminal network, culminating in a raid on a shop in Kimilili Town.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate the suspects are part of a wider syndicate involved in stealing mobile phones, reprogramming them and reselling them to unsuspecting buyers within and beyond Bungoma County.
“Investigations into mobile phone theft and related cyber-enabled crimes have led to the arrest of two suspects linked to a phone theft and hacking syndicate operating within Bungoma County,” the NPS said in a statement.
Raid yields 73 suspected stolen phones
During the operation, detectives recovered 73 mobile phones believed to have been stolen from members of the public.
Police also seized specialised equipment suspected to have been used to “flash” or reprogram the devices, a process commonly employed by criminals to alter a phone’s software or erase identifying information, making it difficult to trace or recover.
“The arrests followed weeks of inquiries, which culminated in a raid on the suspects’ shop in Kimilili Town, Bungoma County,” the statement added.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the two are part of a wider criminal network involved in the theft, reprogramming, and illicit resale of stolen mobile phones within the county.”
Investigators are now analysing the recovered devices in an effort to identify their rightful owners and establish the full scope of the criminal enterprise.
More arrests expected
The two individuals remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Their arrests come barely a month after police officers from Bungoma South Sub-County arrested two men linked to an intricate mobile phone theft and hacking network operation in Bungoma.
Meanwhile, detectives say efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.
“The suspects are currently in police custody pending arraignment, while officers pursue further leads to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network,” police said.
Authorities believe the network may have been operating across multiple towns, with stolen phones allegedly being altered before being introduced back into the market through unsuspecting traders and buyers.
Growing concern over mobile phone theft
The arrests come amid increasing concern over the rise in mobile phone theft and cyber-enabled crimes in Kenya, where stolen smartphones are often reprogrammed and resold through informal markets.
Law enforcement agencies have in recent years intensified operations against syndicates involved in phone snatching, identity theft and illegal modification of mobile devices, warning that the crimes not only deprive victims of valuable property but also expose them to financial fraud and data breaches.
Police have urged Kenyans purchasing second-hand phones to verify the legitimacy of sellers and ensure devices are accompanied by proof of ownership.