CRACKDOWN ON MOBILE PHONE HACKING SYNDICATE IN ELDORET

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a mobile phone hacking and resale racket in Eldoret Town. The arrests followed a public tip-off and a subsequent operation by officers from the National Police Service (NPS) in collaboration with M-KOPA’s liaison personnel.

The operation targeted a phone repair shop near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office, where the suspects were allegedly flashing 28 assorted mobile phones, including M-KOPA devices. Police say the suspects are believed to be part of a wider network that flashes stolen or credit-issued mobile phones to bypass security features and avoid payment obligations.

Equipment Seized from Eldoret Mobile Phone Syndicate

During the raid, officers recovered high-end electronic equipment, including:

• Two HP laptops

• Two CPUs

• Seven hard drives

• One Pandora Box

• One dongle

• One JTAG device

These devices are reportedly capable of altering IMEI numbers, reprogramming phones, and bypassing security features.

The suspects are being held at Eldoret Police Station pending forensic analysis and further investigation.

The NPS has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, 112, and #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).

Authorities have also warned the public against buying suspiciously cheap mobile phones from unauthorized traders or engaging in fraudulent activities involving the flashing of mobile devices.