32 phones, laptops recovered as police bust hacking syndicate in Kisumu

In Kisumu County, Kenya, police have apprehended a suspect allegedly connected to a phone theft and hacking syndicate. The operation, conducted on August 29, 2026, resulted in the seizure of 32 phones, M-KOPA HMD batteries, three laptops with suspected hacking tools, and external hard drives. Kondele Police Station, led by officers who received intelligence and built a solid case, made the arrest.

The recovered items are believed to be linked to criminal activities, and the police are now examining them to establish ownership and identify potential victims. The police emphasized their commitment to disrupting criminal networks and preventing them from operating with impunity. They also urged the public to continue providing information to help identify and dismantle criminal networks. Members of the public can report suspicious activities via the toll-free numbers 999 or 911 or the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.

This incident follows a recent arrest in Bungoma County, where two suspects were detained for their alleged involvement in a mobile phone theft and hacking syndicate. The National Police Service (NPS) has been actively investigating a surge in phone theft and cyber-enabled crimes, making arrests based on intelligence-led operations.