DCI Arrests Two Suspects Behind M-KOPA Phone Hacking in Eldoret

Police raid repair shop, recover sophisticated equipment used to alter stolen and credit phones

ELDORET – Two suspects are in police custody following a crackdown on a mobile phone hacking syndicate operating in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working with M-KOPA personnel, arrested the duo on Wednesday after raiding a phone repair shop near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office.

Officers caught the suspects red-handed while attempting to flash 28 assorted mobile phones, including M-KOPA devices.

According to police reports, the suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network specializing in hacking stolen mobile phones and devices acquired on credit to help buyers evade payment obligations.

During the operation, investigators recovered an array of sophisticated electronic equipment capable of bypassing phone security systems.

The haul included two HP laptops, two computer processing units, seven hard drives, a Pandora Box, one dongle, and a JTAG device – all tools commonly used to alter International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and reprogram mobile devices.

The breakthrough came following a tip-off from members of the public, highlighting the crucial role of community cooperation in fighting cybercrime.

The suspects have been detained at Eldoret Police Station as forensic experts analyze the recovered equipment and investigators probe deeper into the syndicate’s operations.

The National Police Service has issued a stern warning to consumers against purchasing suspiciously cheap mobile devices from unauthorized dealers, noting that such transactions often involve stolen or illegally modified equipment.

Authorities also cautioned against participating in phone flashing schemes designed to circumvent legitimate payment systems.

Members of the public have been urged to report similar criminal activities through the police toll-free numbers 999, 911, 112, or the dedicated DCI hotline #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).

The case underscores growing concerns about mobile phone-related fraud in Kenya, particularly involving devices sold on credit payment plans.

M-KOPA, which provides smartphones and other electronics through affordable installment schemes, has been working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat such criminal activities that undermine their business model and harm legitimate customers.

Further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and determine the full scope of their operations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​