The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has successfully recovered 192 stolen mobile phones and returned them to their rightful owners.
The recovery operation, which reflects RIB’s ongoing efforts to combat theft and related crimes, was followed by a strong advisory from the Bureau, urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing used phones.
The recovered phones were handed back to their owners during a formal event, where six suspects were assembled ownsing their dossier for prosecution, highlighting RIB’s commitment to maintaining public safety and restoring stolen property to its rightful owners.
The Bureau emphasized the importance of public cooperation in tracking and recovering stolen items, noting that citizens should be vigilant when acquiring second-hand electronic devices.
“While we are pleased to have returned these phones to their owners, we urge the public to be cautious when buying used phones,” said Dr. Thierry Murangira, RIB Spokesperson. “Buying stolen property, even unknowingly, can have serious legal consequences, and it perpetuates the cycle of theft and crime in our communities.”
RIB warned that many stolen phones are sold on the black market at attractive prices, which might tempt unsuspecting buyers. 
However, the Bureau stressed that the purchase of such devices not only supports criminal activity but also puts the buyer at risk of legal action if the item is later identified as stolen.
The Bureau also advised the public to take advantage of available tools to verify the legitimacy of used phones before purchasing.
One of the key recommendations is to check the phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can be used to confirm whether the device has been reported as lost or stolen. This number can be easily accessed by dialing *#06# on most mobile phones.
In addition to recovering stolen property, RIB is also working on several initiatives to reduce electronic devices theft across the country.
These efforts include increasing public awareness about the risks associated with purchasing stolen goods and enhancing collaboration with telecommunications companies to track stolen devices more effectively.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to the sale of used phones or any other stolen property.
RIB reassures the public that all reports will be treated with confidentiality, and prompt action will be taken to investigate and recover stolen goods.
This recovery operation and the subsequent warning are part of a broader strategy by RIB to tackle rising cases of theft in urban areas, particularly in Kigali, where the demand for second-hand electronics is high.
The Bureau continues to call on the public to support its efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious transactions or behaviors.
