The Kenyan government, through the National Police Service (NPS), has issued a serious warning to citizens using mobile phones bought on credit under the popular ‘Lipa Mdogo Mdogo’ program.
Authorities have raised concerns over a growing trend where some users are illegally modifying or “flashing” these phones to avoid completing their payment obligations.
In a statement released on Friday morning, the police noted an increase in cases where people are deliberately tampering with phones purchased through installment plans in order to bypass the payment system.
This illegal activity not only affects mobile service providers but also contributes to a larger wave of digital fraud in the country.
The police also urged Kenyans who intend to buy mobile phones to be extra cautious. Citizens are being warned to avoid purchasing mobile phones being sold at abnormally low prices, especially from unknown or untrusted dealers.
Many of these phones could be stolen or tampered with, and purchasing them may land unsuspecting buyers in legal trouble.
“The National Police Service warns the public against buying suspiciously cheap mobile phones from dishonest traders,” read part of the official statement.
“We also urge Kenyans not to participate in fraudulent schemes such as flashing phones acquired on credit to escape paying the required installments.
Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, or 112.”
This public alert follows the recent arrest of two individuals linked to a mobile phone hacking and resale syndicate operating in Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County.
According to a police report, the suspects were apprehended on Thursday after officers received crucial information from members of the public.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, detectives raided a phone repair shop in Eldoret where they found the suspects in the middle of illegally flashing 28 different mobile phones.
Some of these phones had been acquired through credit arrangements, including the ‘Lipa Mdogo Mdogo’ plan, which allows customers to pay for their devices in installments.
Police investigators believe that the arrested suspects are part of a wider criminal network that specializes in flashing stolen mobile devices and those bought on credit to make them appear new or unpaid for. This manipulation often involves changing the phones’ digital identity and security features.
During the search of the premises, police recovered several high-tech tools believed to have been used in the illegal activity. Among the items found were two laptops, two central processing units (CPUs), seven hard drives, and a Pandora box—a specialized tool used for mobile phone programming.
Officers also found a dongle and a JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) device, which are commonly used to reprogram phones, change IMEI numbers, and disable security locks.
The two suspects are currently being held at Eldoret Police Station. Forensic experts have been tasked with analyzing the recovered equipment as part of ongoing investigations.
Once the preliminary investigations are complete, the suspects will be formally charged in court.
The police are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid being lured into fraudulent dealings involving mobile devices.
Authorities have promised to crack down on all individuals and networks involved in this form of cyber fraud.
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