Police in Kisumu County have arrested a suspected member of a phone theft and hacking syndicate following an intelligence-led operation in Kondele.
The National Police Service (NPS) says the suspect was identified after investigators received information, gathered intelligence and pieced together evidence linking him to the criminal network.
Officers from Kondele Police Station subsequently launched an operation within the area, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of 32 assorted mobile phones believed to be stolen, alongside various M-KOPA HMD batteries. Police further recovered three laptops allegedly fitted with suspected hacking tools and several external hard drives.
The recovery has provided investigators with material that could help establish the activities of the suspected syndicate and determine whether the recovered electronic devices were being used to facilitate phone-related crimes.
The NPS described the operation as part of its efforts to use intelligence and information from the public to disrupt criminal networks before they can continue operating.
“The arrest underscores the Service’s proactive approach to crime: turning information into decisive action and denying criminal networks any opportunity to operate with impunity,” the police service said in a statement posted on its X account on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The Service also credited members of the public for providing information that assists law enforcement agencies in identifying suspicious activities and criminal networks.
The NPS urged Kenyans to continue working with police by reporting information that could help prevent or investigate crime.
“Reports may be made via the toll-free numbers 999 or 911,” the Service said, adding that members of the public can also use the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203.
The public can alternatively share information through the National Police Service WhatsApp number, 0709 570 000.
The arrested suspect is expected to face further investigations as police seek to establish the full extent of the alleged phone theft and hacking network and determine whether other individuals are involved.
