This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
On Thursday, detectives in Nairobi made a significant breakthrough in cracking down an organised crime syndicate that has been terrorizing city dwellers. The breakthrough came after a sting operation in Nairobi's South B estate, where two suspects were arrested and an assortment of stolen gadgets and valuables were recovered.
According to Makadara Sub-county Police Commander Timon Odingo, the security agents seized more than 300 smartphones, three smart television sets, a car tracker, a laptop, several thumb drives, dozens of emptied wallets, bags, and an assortment of documents belonging to different people.
The operation followed a complaint filed at Central Police Station by Ms Mary Njihia on June 27. Ms Njihia claimed to have been sprayed with an unknown chemical in her eyes on Luthuli Avenue and robbed of money, an Iphone XS, and a Camon CX, all worth Sh167,000, by unknown people.
One of her phones was linked to another phone belonging to her brother, which allowed police to track the stolen gadgets. The signal from the phone was coming from Itumo Apartment, fifth floor, door number 3E in South B.
Police have since reached out to several victims through the contacts saved in the stolen gadgets, who all confirmed they were recently robbed. Preliminary investigations show that high-end phones are usually sold in Tanzania, while the cheaper ones find a ready market in the slums.
Police have urged victims to visit Industrial Area Police Station to identify their gadgets.
