How Stolen Phones Are Resold: ARA Exposes Jogoo Road Syndicate, Seeks Sh7m

The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) has asked the High Court to seize Sh6.7 million allegedly linked to a mobile phone theft and resale network.

ARA says the money was channelled through bank accounts belonging to Syllus Musila Kivyatu, Isaac Shamora Aligula and Mourine Adhiambo. Investigators allegedly linked the three to a wider network involved in obtaining stolen phones, refurbishing them along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road and selling them in Kenya and across the border in Uganda and Tanzania.

According to court filings, the suspects allegedly used the banking system to conceal proceeds from the sale of stolen devices. ARA argues that the funds are connected to the alleged criminal activity and should therefore be forfeited to the State.

Mr Musila controls the largest portion of the money, with about Sh6 million held in three accounts at Equity Bank and Co-operative Bank. The remaining funds are held in accounts linked to Ms Adhiambo and Mr Aligula.

ARA says intelligence gathered late last year connected the three individuals to the alleged network, which it describes as an organised operation involved in the theft, repair and resale of mobile phones. The agency is seeking to recover the money on the grounds that it represents proceeds of crime.

The case follows orders issued in May freezing the accounts pending the determination of whether the funds should be permanently forfeited. ARA is seeking to prevent the suspects from retaining money it says was obtained through unlawful activities.

The proceedings also involve allegations that stolen phones were sold across national borders, including to buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. The movement of both stolen devices and proceeds between countries presents challenges for law enforcement agencies seeking to disrupt such networks.

The High Court will determine whether ARA has established a sufficient connection between the funds and the alleged criminal activity to justify forfeiture. If the application succeeds, the funds would be surrendered to the State.