The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, has shed light on some of the techniques law enforcement agencies use to track and recover stolen mobile phones.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on the night of September 15, Amin confirmed that numerous stolen phones have been successfully recovered using advanced tracking methods, with one of the most effective being the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
“When it comes to phone recovery, we employ several techniques. One key method is identifying and tracking the IMEI number to determine if the device has been used in the commission of other crimes,” Amin explained.
The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device.
It allows investigators to track a phone’s activity across networks even after a SIM card is replaced and helps link the device to new users through SIM card changes and cell tower data.
In addition to IMEI tracking, Amin noted that other undisclosed techniques are also used by investigators, though he declined to elaborate on them, citing security reasons.
“We have other methods we rely on, but for obvious security and operational reasons, we can’t make them public. IMEI tracking is just one among many,” he added.
The DCI works closely with mobile service providers to access critical data, including location tracking through cell tower interactions, which often leads to the recovery of stolen devices.
Despite the advanced tools at their disposal, Amin emphasized that all investigations are conducted within the confines of the law, with strict adherence to privacy rights.
“We ensure that we follow all legal protocols to avoid infringing on individuals’ constitutional rights to privacy,” he said.
According to police data, over 574 suspected stolen phones were recovered in Nairobi in the past year alone.
However, this figure is believed to represent just a fraction of the actual number of thefts.
Recent statistics reveal that a mobile phone is reported stolen every 10 minutes in Nairobi.
In response, police have ramped up patrols and other crime prevention measures in hotspots identified in recent weeks.
