MOBILE PHONE HACKING SYNDICATE UNEARTHED IN ELDORET

Police in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County have arrested two suspects for allegedly running a mobile phone hacking and resale syndicate.

The arrests followed a public tip-off and a coordinated operation by the National Police Service (NPS) in collaboration with M-KOPA’s liaison personnel. The security operation targeted a phone repair shop in Eldoret’s Central Business District, where the suspects were allegedly flashing and reprogramming various phones, including credit-issued M-KOPA devices, to bypass security features and evade payment. 28 mobile phones, two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, a Pandora Box, a dongle, and a JTAG device, tools typically used to alter IMEI numbers and disable phone tracking, were recovered.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, said the arrests mark a breakthrough in tackling rising cases of mobile phones theft. “We’ve received numerous public complaints. This crackdown is part of our effort to dismantle such criminal networks,” he said, adding that more such operations would follow.  

Members of the public have been warned against buying mobile phones and other electronics from suspicious people or outlets and instead should report suspects to the police.