Coast police arrest nine suspects in high-tech theft syndicate targeting bank customers
The suspects are aged between 26 and 30 years and are believed to have orchestrated a series of car break-ins, particularly targeting individuals who had withdrawn large sums of money from banks.
Police in the Coast region have arrested nine suspects linked to a sophisticated syndicate that tracks bank customers, follows them, and uses specialised devices to disable car alarms before stealing from their vehicles.
The arrests followed a weeks-long intelligence-led operation by the National Police Service (NPS), conducted across Mombasa, Kilifi, and surrounding counties.
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According to Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno, the suspects are aged between 26 and 30 years and are believed to have orchestrated a series of car break-ins, particularly targeting individuals who had withdrawn large sums of money from banks.
“Following an outbreak of unlocked motor vehicle thefts, where large amounts of money were stolen within Mombasa, Kilifi and neighbouring counties, the NPS, with the help of members of the public, gathered information. This information was developed into actionable intelligence, which was followed by an intelligence-led operation,” said police boss Ali.
The operation, which commenced on 22 May 2025, specifically targeted members of the criminal network suspected of involvement in these crimes.
Ali confirmed that nine suspects were apprehended and placed in custody following a custodial order.
“Some of them have criminal records dating back to 2017, while others still have pending cases at the Mombasa Law Court,” he stated.
Eight cars recovered
During the operation, police recovered eight motor vehicles believed to have either been used in the commission of crimes or acquired as proceeds of crime. The vehicles are currently held at station yards for forensic investigations.
Ali warned financial institutions and bank customers about the modus operandi of the gang, which operates in a coordinated, multi-tiered structure.
“These people normally operate around our banks. They place themselves strategically within banking halls and financial institutions, targeting individuals withdrawing large amounts of money,” he explained.
Some of the items recovered from the theft syndicate targeting bank customers in the Coast region. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
He said the gang typically operates in groups of two or three. The first team, posing as ordinary customers inside the bank, identifies potential victims. Once a target is selected, they alert a second team stationed outside the bank premises.
“They then pursue the victim until the point of vulnerability and hand them over to another team called the ‘strikers’,” said Ali.
The ‘strikers’ are tasked with disabling the alarm system of the victim’s vehicle using a specialised electronic gadget before breaking in and stealing the cash or valuables. The gadget reportedly interferes with the locking mechanism, allowing the thieves to access the car unnoticed.
Transnational network
Police have also established that the suspects operate in a transnational network.
“One of the suspects is facing murder charges in a neighbouring country,” Ali revealed.
Investigations into the vehicles recovered have uncovered further irregularities. Some of the vehicles bear Kenyan number plates that do not appear in the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) database, raising suspicion that they were imported illegally or fraudulently registered.
Searches conducted in the homes of the suspects led to the recovery of assorted goods valued at Sh7.5 million, excluding the value of the motor vehicles.
Authorities believe these goods are also proceeds of crime. Police have also identified developed and undeveloped real estate properties linked to the suspects, whose value appears inconsistent with their young ages and suspected sources of income.
The suspects are said to reside in the Mtwapa area and its environs.
The Coast police boss indicated that the officers may seek support from other agencies to widen the scope of the investigation.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have been victims of these crimes to come forward, record statements, and assist us in identifying the suspects,” he urged.
Nuno extended his gratitude to members of the public who provided crucial information confidentially.
“The success and milestone achieved in this case would not have been possible without the support from members of the public,” he said.
Investigations continue as police move to dismantle what they believe is a wider criminal network.
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