This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a warning to the public against buying electronic gadgets from dealers without physical addresses.
According to the DCI, such dealers should have identifiable trading premises with requisite authorization documents, including licenses, permits, and other local and national approvals, prominently displayed.
“When buying electronics, insist on a receipt clearly itemizing the particulars of the gadget. Keep the receipt or secure it electronically by photographing and archiving it in a reliable system,” the DCI advised.
The DCI further warned that most electronic gadgets sold by such dealers are stolen items from armed gangsters who have violently robbed innocent citizens, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
“When police forensically investigate and find you in possession of such devices, you may have suffered immensely by the time it is established that you were not involved in the crime,” the DCI cautioned.
The DCI also warned that anyone found with suspected stolen property will be treated as a criminal.
Electronic dealers have been urged to obtain IT/ICT technology that ensures every electronic gadget brought from them is marked, making it harder for criminals to hawk it and easier for investigative agencies to track and identify the device.
“In case of any doubt that you may be harbouring any gadget of suspicious source, please report in confidence at any police station or DCI office,” the DCI said.
