Ugandan police have recovered more 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four people as part of an investigation into what authorities believe is an organized network trafficking stolen Apple devices and spare parts in the capital, Kampala.
The investigation began after a police officer’s mobile phone was stolen on July 16 while he was on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell. According to police, the officer’s phone was taken while he was resting inside a vehicle.
Detectives arrested Richard Mugabi at his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell, during an early morning operation on July 18.
Police said the suspect admitted stealing the officer’s phone and told investigators that he had passed it to an accomplice, who later sold it for 900,000 Ugandan shillings (about $250) to mobile phone dealer Juma Mugerwa.
The stolen phone was later recovered, leading investigators to Mugerwa’s retail shop at Cooper Complex in central Kampala.
A police search of the premises on July 21 uncovered more seven working iPhones, five iPads, three laptop computers, phone-resetting equipment, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts.
Mugerwa was arrested at the scene.
A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models to older versions, police said.
Investigators believe Mugerwa was involved in the trade of suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts, allegedly purchasing the devices from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas before reselling or dismantling them.
Police identified the four suspects in custody as Richard Mugabi, Frank Mwesigwa, Sumaya Mutesi and Mugerwa.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, said investigations are continuing to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, identify additional members of the suspected criminal network and determine the full extent of the operation.
Police have appealed to members of the public who have recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist investigators in identifying and returning the recovered devices.
