Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have dismantled a sophisticated motor vehicle theft syndicate operating in Nairobi and its surrounding areas. The operation, which has been ongoing for weeks, led to the arrest of four suspects, including the masterminds behind the theft ring.
The first significant arrest was that of Mutua Julius John, who was apprehended last month after detectives tracked him down. During his arrest, a stolen vehicle with the registration number KDR 722K was recovered. His capture triggered further investigations, which quickly unraveled a network of individuals involved in various aspects of vehicle theft and fraud.
One of the key arrests was that of Simon Mumo Chege, a suspect known for his expertise in altering and erasing chassis numbers of stolen vehicles. Chege was apprehended in Grogon, a busy area within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). He is believed to have played a significant role in enabling stolen vehicles to be resold with tampered identities, making it difficult to trace their origins.
Raphael Oloo Kira, another suspect in custody, is accused of being a skilled panel beater and forger of vehicle identity documents. According to the DCI, Kira specialized in producing fake number plates and modifying vehicle parts such as mirrors to match altered chassis numbers, further complicating the identification process.
The fourth suspect, George Nyakundi Ogoro, was arrested for his involvement in hiring vehicles using fake identification, which were subsequently stolen. Ogoro’s role in the syndicate was crucial, as he facilitated the initial theft by hiring vehicles under false pretenses.
The DCI has assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with a primary focus on recovering more stolen vehicles. Detectives are also working to track down additional suspects who are involved in the illegal activities, including those responsible for removing tracking devices and manufacturing counterfeit number plates. As the operation continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in dismantling criminal networks.
