KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force has recovered 143 suspected stolen smartphones, most of them iPhones, and arrested three suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting an organised mobile phone theft and trafficking syndicate operating within the Kampala Metropolitan area.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the operation led to the arrest of Tumusiime Derrick, also known as Gana; Niyonzima Fabrice, also known as Sadat; and Kitoko Emmy.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a criminal network involved in receiving suspected stolen mobile phones, tampering with their motherboards and other identifying components to conceal their origin before trafficking and selling the devices in neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
“The operation led to the recovery of 143 suspected stolen smartphones, the majority of which are iPhones, and the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of an organised mobile phone theft and trafficking network,” Owoyesigyire said in a statement.
Investigators have so far identified the rightful owners of 20 of the recovered phones. Police said the victims were able to provide details of theft cases they had previously reported, including police reference numbers, confirming that the recovered devices had indeed been stolen.
“The victims have provided police with details of the cases they previously reported, including their respective police reference numbers, confirming that the recovered devices had been stolen,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police said investigations are continuing to identify additional victims, recover more stolen devices and arrest other members of the criminal network believed to be involved in the cross-border trafficking operation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police has appealed to members of the public who may have lost iPhones and previously reported the theft to come forward to assist in identifying the recovered devices.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have lost an iPhone and reported the theft to police to contact officers at the Crime Intelligence Directorate with proof of ownership and the relevant police case reference number to facilitate verification and possible recovery of their devices,” Owoyesigyire said.
The three suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court upon completion of investigations. They are expected to face charges related to their alleged involvement in the theft, concealment and trafficking of stolen mobile phones.
The Uganda Police Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks involved in mobile phone theft and trafficking, urging the public to continue reporting such crimes promptly to facilitate investigations and the recovery of stolen property.