Inside the DCI’s Intelligence-Led Operation That Busted a Phone Hacking Suspect

Detectives from Oyugis Police Station arrested a suspected key player in a phone theft and hacking syndicate on Friday after an intelligence-led raid that recovered laptops, a CM2 Dongle, and dozens of suspected stolen devices.

The National Police Service launched the operation in Oyugis Township after weeks of surveillance linked the suspect to a network that steals phones, unlocks them illegally, and manipulates mobile systems to defraud mobile 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.

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Methods Used by a Phone Theft and Hacking Syndicate

Officers moved in after receiving credible information that exposed the syndicate’s methods.

Investigators say the group targets smartphones sold on credit, then flashes and unlocks them to disable software locks that cut off service when clients default on payments.

“Police officers from Oyugis Police Station in Homa Bay County conducted a successful intelligence-led operation targeting a notorious phone theft and hacking syndicate operating within Oyugis Township,” NPS confirmed.

The operation uncovered how the syndicate bypassed or disabled required payment systems to resell the devices.

The scheme costs mobile financing firms millions as hackers wipe loan locks and flood the market with stolen phones.

“The operation followed the receipt of credible information and extensive investigations that linked the suspects to illegal activities involving the theft of mobile phones, unauthorized flashing and unlocking of devices, and manipulation of mobile systems with the intention of defrauding businesses,” the statement said.

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Arrest of a Suspect Involved in Phone Hacking and the Recovery of Related Equipment

During the raid, officers recovered multiple phones suspected to be stolen, one laptop equipped with flashing and hacking tools, a CM2 Dongle, and two external hard drives also loaded with hacking software.

“One suspect, believed to be a key player in the syndicate, was arrested and placed in police custody pending further investigations and arraignment in court,” NPS said.

The suspect remains at Oyugis Police Station as DCI officers hunt other members. NPS urged the public to report phone hacking rings.

The National Police Service continues to urge members of the public to support efforts aimed at combating crime by sharing information via the toll-free numbers 999 and 911, or anonymously through #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 / WhatsApp 0709 570 000.

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