A suspected key player in a mobile phone theft and hacking syndicate has been arrested in Oyugis Township, Homa Bay County, following an intelligence-led operation by police targeting criminals involved in illegal device unlocking and cyber-enabled fraud.

In a statement shared on 9 May 2026, National Police Service said the operation was part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on syndicates linked to mobile phone theft, unlawful device unlocking and hacking activities that have increasingly affected businesses, particularly mobile phone financing companies.

“The National Police Service continues to intensify its crackdown on criminal syndicates involved in mobile phone theft, illegal unlocking, and hacking activities that have increasingly affected businesses, especially mobile device financing companies,” NPS said.

According to police, officers from Oyugis Police Station launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence and carrying out investigations that linked the suspect and his associates to a network allegedly involved in tampering with mobile devices for criminal gain.

“The operation followed the receipt of credible information and extensive investigations that linked the suspects to illegal activities involving the theft of mobile phones, unauthorised flashing and unlocking of devices, and manipulation of mobile systems with the intention of defrauding businesses by bypassing or disabling required payment systems,” the statement added.

During the raid, police recovered a range of electronic devices and tools believed to have been used in the illegal activities.

Among the items seized were 20 mobile phones suspected to have been stolen, a laptop fitted with flashing and hacking software, a CM2 Dongle, and two external hard drives also loaded with device flashing and hacking tools.

“During the operation, the team recovered several items, including twenty mobile phones suspected to have been stolen, one laptop equipped with flashing and hacking tools, a CM2 Dongle, and two external hard drives also equipped with flashing and hacking tools, among other items,” NPS said.

Police confirmed that one suspect, believed to be central to the syndicate’s operations, was arrested and remains in custody pending further investigations and court proceedings.

The arrest marks a significant step in efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organised criminal networks exploiting mobile technology to defraud businesses and consumers.