M-KOPA Phone: Two individuals have been apprehended in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County, for their involvement in an elaborate mobile phone hacking and resale scheme, following a tip-off from local residents.
National Police Service (NPS) officers, in conjunction with representatives from M-KOPA, executed a focused raid on a phone repair shop situated near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office. During this operation, the suspects were discovered reprogramming 28 various mobile phones, including M-KOPA devices, which are believed to have been stolen or obtained through credit arrangements and subsequently modified to evade payment.
The raid also revealed advanced electronic equipment thought to be utilized in these illicit activities, including two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, a Pandora Box, a dongle, and a JTAG device, all capable of altering IMEI numbers and bypassing security features.
Authorities suspect that the arrested individuals are linked to a larger criminal network engaged in the flashing and resale of stolen or credit-dependent mobile phones. They are currently detained at Eldoret Police Station as forensic investigations proceed.
The National Police Service has called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities related to mobile devices. Citizens are encouraged to share information anonymously by using the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, 112, or by texting #FichuakwaDCI to 0800 722 203.
In their statement, the NPS cautioned against buying mobile phones from unlicensed or dubious sellers, highlighting that such purchases not only support criminal behavior but also carry potential legal risks.
