Global Mobile Phone Theft Fuels Influx of Stolen iPhones into Kenya
Mobile phone theft is on the rise worldwide, with stolen devices increasingly finding their way into international resale networks, including Kenya. Experts say the trend has grown in recent years, raising concerns about the legitimacy of imported phones in African markets.
The United Kingdom has seen a sharp increase in thefts, particularly in London, where police recorded roughly 80,000 stolen phones in 2024. Retailers report that shoplifters often target iPhone stores, seeking the most in-demand models.
Despite advanced security measures, these stolen devices continue to move across borders. Investigations by the Metropolitan Police indicate that about 75% of stolen phones in London leave the UK. In October 2025, a smuggling network accused of handling up to 40,000 stolen iPhones was disrupted after authorities intercepted a shipment of nearly 1,000 devices near Heathrow Airport. Many of these phones are sent to China, where they are reprogrammed, stripped for parts, or disguised as refurbished stock before being re-exported to regions with weaker blacklisting systems.
Kenya is one of the African countries importing large volumes of used and refurbished iPhones, primarily from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Traders in Nairobi and other cities often receive these phones through online resellers, informal distributors, and individual sellers—many unaware of the devices’ origins.
A trader in Nairobi’s Central Business District told Kenyans.co.ke that most imported phones are fully functional and checked by overseas suppliers before shipment. “Maybe they are stolen. There is no telling for sure, but our suppliers mostly deal with phones refurbished abroad after being returned to the iPhone store with a flaw,” he said.
Customs officials face challenges identifying stolen devices, as small consignments often arrive mixed with legitimate goods and are classified as “used electronics” or “spare parts.”
Authorities advise consumers to verify IMEI numbers and purchase phones only from authorised sellers. Shoppers are also warned against deals that seem too cheap, as these may involve stolen devices.
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Global Mobile Phone Theft Fuels Influx of Stolen iPhones into Kenya