"Notorious receivers": Police arrest 2 suspects, recover stolen phones
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- National Police Service officers based at Shauri Moyo Police Station arrested two suspects linked to stolen mobile phone operations
- Detectives recovered four mobile phones during the operation, including two Samsung devices, a Redmi, and a Tecno Pop 9
- Both suspects remained in police custody as of August 19, 2026, pending arraignment on charges related to handling stolen electronics
Nancy Odindo is a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke (joined in 2023). She has one year of experience in print and more than five years in digital media.
Two suspects believed to be key handlers of stolen mobile phones have been arrested following a police operation in Nairobi's Burma Market area, with four devices recovered in the process.
Officers attached to Shauri Moyo Police Station carried out the operation on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, targeting what the National Police Service (NPS) described as an active electronic theft ring operating within the area.
What was recovered during the arrest
A search conducted on the two suspects yielded four mobile phones suspected to have been stolen. The devices comprised a Redmi RMX3834, a Samsung Galaxy A05, a Tecno Pop 9, and a Samsung Galaxy A07.
The NPS described both individuals as 'notorious' receivers of stolen electronics, suggesting they played a role in distributing or reselling phones taken from members of the public.
As of August 19, 2026, when the NPS announced the arrests via its official Facebook page, both suspects remained in custody.
Suspects await arraignment
Authorities said they were being processed ahead of a court appearance to face charges related to the possession and handling of stolen property.
The NPS urged members of the public to report criminal or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its toll-free lines, 999 and 911.
Reports can also be submitted via the hashtag #FichuaKwaDCI by calling 0800 722 203 or anonymously through WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Phone theft has remained a persistent security concern in Nairobi. The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling such networks and protecting the property of citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.