Police Boss Reveals How Phones Stolen in Nairobi Are Dismantled and Sold in Uganda and Tanzania

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has revealed how criminals dismantle stolen phones using a special gadget that erases their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers before selling them through cross-border networks.

Speaking to the media on July 29, Mohamud said criminals steal phones through burglary, theft and snatching before moving some of the devices into neighbouring countries, including Uganda and Tanzania.

Mohamud said police have established that some stolen phones leave Kenya through criminal networks that transport them across borders for modification and resale.

“Items behind me are products of violence, either through burglary, theft, or phone snatching. So, some of the phones are smuggled to neighbouring countries; we have that information,” he stated.

‘Miracle Gadget’ Used to Erase Stolen Phones IMEI Numbers

The Nairobi Regional Police Commander said criminals use what they call a “miracle gadget” to erase IMEI numbers, which authorities and phone owners rely on to identify devices.

“So, as you can see, that computer there, that gadget, it’s a miracle, and what others call, they call it a miracle gadget, because it erases the IMEI of the phone. You know, you identify a phone through the IMEI, so they remove using this gadget. This is what they call a miracle gadget. This is what they use to dismantle, vandalize the phone, and this removes the interference of numbers, the manufacturer’s numbers, the IMEI, so that they can sell. And I said, we have another board to dismantle,” he said.

Also Read: Shock as Police Recover Over 200 Phones, Laptops and iPads in Major Operation

Police To Track Down Smuggling Networks

Mohamud said criminal networks move stolen phones internationally, repackage them and introduce them back into African markets.

“Phones are trafficked internationally, and repackaged into counterfeits, and then they are also re-introduced back into African markets,” he stated.

He added that police are pursuing all individuals involved in the illegal trade, including foreign nationals, as they work to dismantle the networks.

“We are actively pursuing all individuals, including foreign nationals, without exception. So, let that message go out clearly that we know their operations. We are tracking their networks. We will dismantle their businesses piece by piece. There will be no safe haven, no hiding place, no tolerance for this kind of criminal enterprise. Tutashughulikia hiyo,” he added.

Also Read: Pistol and Motorcycles Recovered as Police Arrest Suspected Robbers Linked to Nairobi Robberies

Police Warn Phone Theft, Profiteers

Mohamud said phone theft has become an easy source of income for criminals but warned that authorities will ensure stolen phones lose their resale value.

“We will ensure that the stolen phones have zero resale value, and anyone attempting to profit from that crime will incur heavy losses and imprisonment,” he warned.

He also warned the public against buying suspiciously cheap electronics, saying anyone who purchases stolen devices supports the criminal chain.

“If you buy a stolen, you know, electronic, you are part of that crime chain, and you will be treated as such, and we will deal with you accordingly, according to the laws of this land.”

Mohamud urged members of the public to stay alert, avoid isolated areas and report suspicious activities involving electronics.

He also directed Nairobi police officers to intensify crackdowns on illegal electronics dealers and arrest individuals involved in stolen phone networks to disrupt the criminal supply chain.

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Photo of the 26 recovered mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from members of the public, alongside four key suspects who were arrested on July 25, 2026. PHOTO/ DCI X.