Busia, Kenya – A 26-year-old Ugandan national is in police custody after officers intercepted him at the Kenya-Uganda border with a staggering 360 mobile phones, many of which are suspected to have been stolen.
The suspect was apprehended during a security operation led by Busia County police, following an intelligence tip-off. According to County Police Commander Ahmed Abdille, the man was attempting to cross into Uganda when officers caught up with him.
“We managed to intercept a suspect in possession of 360 mobile phones, some of which appear brand new while others are clearly used. A significant number are believed to have been stolen,” Abdille confirmed during a media briefing at the Busia police station.
Police investigations have already identified 56 phones as stolen, reportedly linked to criminal incidents such as snatching, pickpocketing, and burglary. These incidents were traced back to Nairobi locations including Kamukunji, Embakasi, JKIA, Central Business District, Tassia, Riverside, and Kasarani. Other regions such as Juja, Thika, Kiambu, and Naivasha in Nakuru County were also mentioned as potential hotspots.
“So far, 13 victims have positively identified their stolen devices and have recorded official statements,” Abdille said.
Photos of the seized phones, shared by police sources, show piles of assorted brands and models, raising suspicions of a well-organized phone theft syndicate with cross-border links.
The arrest has sparked renewed concerns over rising cases of mobile phone theft in major urban centers, especially on public transport and crowded areas. Abdille urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid exposing their devices in vulnerable situations.
“Most of these phones are stolen while people are seated by open windows in matatus. We urge citizens to take caution and report any suspicious activity,” he added.
The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, will remain in custody as detectives work to unravel the network behind the operation. Authorities are also collaborating with Ugandan law enforcement to determine if the syndicate extends across the border.
