Two suspects arrested in Runda as detectives crack down on mobile phone theft syndicate

The duo, Tobias Oduor and Nickson Indasia, were nabbed during an intelligence-led operation conducted on Thursday night by officers from the DCI Operations Action Team (OAT), working jointly with detectives from DCI Gigiri and officers from Runda Police Station.

According to investigators, the operation targeted a shop operating under the name E7 Cosmetics, which detectives suspected was being used as a front for the illegal trade in stolen electronic devices.

During a search of the premises, detectives recovered 65 mobile phones, seven laptops and 52 dismantled mobile phones, believed to be stolen or intended for spare parts in the illicit trade.

"When confronted and interrogated about the recovered items, the suspects were unable to provide any credible or satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or source of the electronics, further heightening suspicions that the premises served as a conduit for the disposal of stolen property," police said.

Detectives also established that one of the recovered mobile phones had earlier been violently snatched from a victim at Ruaka stage. The device was found in the possession of one of the suspects and has since been positively identified by its rightful owner.

"The discovery has provided investigators with a crucial link between the suspects and a wider network of mobile phone theft incidents reported within the area," the DCI added.

All the recovered items have been documented as exhibits as investigations continue.

The two suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to handling stolen property.