Amin outlines techniques DCI uses to recover stolen phones

Caption:Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin has shed light on how the investigative agency tracks and recovers stolen mobile phones. VIDEO/K24TV

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Mohamed Amin has shed light on how the investigative agency tracks and recovers stolen mobile phones, assuring Kenyans that the methods employed adhere strictly to the law.

Speaking at a local TV station on Monday night, September 15, 2025, Amin explained that one of the most effective techniques involves the use of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, which are unique identifiers assigned to every handset.

“When it comes to the recovery of phones, we use several techniques to enable us to recover stolen phones. One is to establish the IMEI numbers and whether that handset has been used for the commission of offences,” Amin said.

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He emphasised that while IMEI tracking is central to investigations, the DCI is keen to respect the constitutional right to privacy. 

“We ensure that we observe all the legal protocols so that we are not seen to be invading people’s privacy,” he added.

Kolenyo

His remarks come a month after police officers in Kisumu County arrested one person of interest in possession of 24 mobile phones in Kolenyo Village, Seme Sub-County.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) stated that two laptops and a power bank were also recovered upon a search conducted at the person’s residence.

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“Earlier today, 6 August 2025, officers from Kombewa Police Station, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a male suspect in Kolenyo Village, Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County,” the statement read in part.

“A search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of 24 assorted mobile phones, two laptops, a black Lenovo and a grey HP, and an Orimo power bank, all suspected to have been stolen.”

Further, the Service revealed that the person of interest is currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court on 7 August 2025.

Elsewhere, police officers from Central Police Station arrested another three persons of interest connected to a phone theft network operating within Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation, during which the person of interest was found tampering with the IMEI numbers of mobile phones suspected to be stolen.

During initial questioning, the person of interest reportedly led detectives to another building, where two other individuals were also arrested.

A subsequent search of the premises yielded a collection of electronic devices, including 36 Samsung phones, 23 Vivo phones, two Nokia phones, one LG phone, one HMD phone, one Tecno phone, one Motorola phone, six M-Kopa Samsung phones, two M-Kopa Nokia phones, and two Vivo motherboards, many without back covers.

Police also recovered two Dell CPUs, two HP Elite CPUs, and one desktop computer, among other items.

Additionally, the National Police Service revealed that the three individuals are currently in custody as investigations continue ahead of their arraignment in court.

The operation highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement officers to curb mobile phone theft in the county.