Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have dismantled a sophisticated car theft syndicate, recovering a stolen vehicle, a key programming machine, two number plates, and two logbooks during an operation in Kisauni. The crackdown led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be key players in the network.
High-Tech Crime and Arrests
The suspects, aged 42 and 34, were traced to the Utange area in Kisauni after forensic leads connected them to a vehicle reported stolen at Buruburu Police Station in Nairobi. Investigators discovered the stolen car in a compound, with its tracking device abandoned 20 meters away, a tactic used by criminals to evade detection.
“Acting on forensic leads, detectives trailed the vehicle to the Utange area, where they found its tracking device dumped roughly 20 meters from the compound where the vehicle was recovered,” a DCI report stated.
Advanced Methods of Theft
The operation revealed that the syndicate employs advanced technology to commit theft. The recovered key programming machine is used to program or reprogram electronic keys, enabling criminals to bypass security features of modern vehicles. This method involves accessing the OBD-II port to reprogram unassigned keys, clone transponder chips, or relay key fob signals, allowing them to steal cars within minutes.
Detectives also found the stolen vehicle fitted with a different registration plate and its dashboard partially dismantled, suggesting preparations for a quick resale or disassembly for parts trade.
Evidence Recovered
The raid yielded other crucial evidence, including assorted car keys, dismantled trackers from other vehicles, and a laptop suspected to have been used in the syndicate’s operations. These items are now securely stored as evidence. The two suspects are being held at Mjambere Police Station, awaiting arraignment.
Broader Criminal Crackdown
In a separate operation, DCI detectives apprehended 12 members of the notorious Panga Boys gang in the coastal region. The gang has been linked to violent attacks, looting, and disturbing the peace of residents and business owners in Kwale and neighboring areas. This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to restore security and dismantle criminal networks in Kenya.
