Chinese Nationals Among Four Suspects in Stolen Phone Parts Arrests

What the report says

Police in Kampala have arrested four people, including two Chinese nationals and two Ugandans, after an intelligence-led operation recovered 239 dismantled mobile phone components that investigators suspect were stolen. The action took place on November 2, 2026, at Jinyuan Apartments on Naguru II Road in Nakawa Division, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police.

The suspects were identified as Cao Yang Xin, 38, Yan Zho Shun, 37, Akampa Timothy, 26, and Mubiru Travor. Nile Post reported that officers from Jinja Road Police Station carried out the search after receiving information about suspected criminal activity at the premises. Police said the Ugandan suspects reportedly worked as translators for the Chinese nationals.

Among the recovered items were iPhone and Samsung motherboards, along with other dismantled phone spare parts. Scene of Crime Officers documented the location as part of the evidence collection process, and the four suspects were detained at Jinja Road Police Station on allegations of being in possession of suspected stolen property.

Police said investigations are continuing to determine where the components came from and whether other people were involved. The case is significant because it points to a possible supply chain for stolen electronics parts and reflects ongoing police efforts to curb property crime in Kampala.