DCI detectives in Kisii have arrested two suspects accused of running a phone theft and hacking racket under the guise of a repair business, targeting financed mobile devices.
The suspects, identified as Duncan Ontita Anyaga and Phares Nyagaka Luke, were arrested after detectives from DCI Kisii Central, working with fraud investigators from Mogo Auto Ltd, raided a phone repair shop at Market Plaza in Kisii town.
In a statement on Thursday, DCI said the raid uncovered more than 500 assorted mobile phones and motherboards allegedly stored at the premises.
Among the devices recovered were several Mogo-financed Tecno KM4 handsets that had earlier been reported missing.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the handsets had been stripped of their security locks and were allegedly being prepared for resale.
The operation followed investigations into the theft and unlawful unlocking of mobile phones bought through financing arrangements.
The DCI described the operation as a phone theft and hacking racket operating under the guise of a legitimate repair business.
The two suspects were caught off guard during the raid and are being held as detectives process them ahead of their arraignment.
The investigation is expected to establish how the phones were obtained, unlocked and channelled into the resale market, as detectives seek to identify other people who may have been involved.
The DCI said it remained committed to dismantling fraud networks targeting financed mobile phones and was working with partners to disrupt the “theft, unlawful unlocking and illegal resale” of the devices.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity anonymously through its toll-free number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.