Detectives cornered two suspects on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in connection with an M-KOPA mobile phone hacking and resale syndicate targeting credit-issued and stolen devices in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement, police said the operation was conducted by officers from the National Police Service (NPS) in collaboration with M-KOPA’s liaison personnel.
“In collaboration with M-KOPA’s liaison personnel, two suspects were arrested in connection with a mobile phone hacking and resale racket in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County,” said National Police Service (NPS).
According to NPS, the arrests followed a public tip-off about suspicious activities at a phone repair shop near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office.
“Officers raided the premises and found the two suspects flashing 28 assorted mobile phones, including M-KOPA devices,” detailed NPS.
The flashing process is used to override software and security features on mobile phones, often enabling the use of stolen or credit-issued devices without detection or payment.
Police indicated that the two suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate that manipulates such devices to avoid repayment or tracking.
Recovered items alongside the M-KOPA phones
During the search, police recovered a variety of high-end electronic equipment believed to be used in the modification of illegal phones.
These included two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, one Pandora Box, one dongle, and one JTAG device.
Also Read: DCI Recovers Guns and Bullets From 3 Ugandan Robbers in a Sting Operation
“These are tools capable of altering IMEI numbers, reprogramming phones, and bypassing security features,” the statement read.
The suspects were taken to Eldoret Police Station, where they remain in custody pending forensic analysis of the recovered items and further investigations.
DCI statement to the public
Detectives urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to avoid purchasing suspiciously cheap mobile phones from unverified traders.
Doing this will prevent them from being involved in fraudulent activities unknowingly, such as flashing phones taken on credit to evade payment.
Also Read: DCI Reveals How Arrested MCA Spent Entire Night with MP Koimburi
“The National Police Service warns the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mobile devices from unscrupulous traders or getting involved in fraudulent activities, such as the flashing of mobile phones taken on credit to evade payment.”
The public is also encouraged to report such illicit activities to the nearest police station or through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112, or via the #FichuakwaDCI hotline at 0800 722 203.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
