End of the road: Fake mobile phones worth millions seized in Nairobi

Some of the phones impounded during the raid by anti-counterfeit officials. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

The Anti-counterfeit Authority Tuesday seized fake phones worth millions of shillings in a swoop on shops along Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi.

The raid that took place during the morning hours saw police arrest several traders who were found with fake mobile phone brands and batteries.

“Some of the counterfeit goods confiscated this morning include "Samsung" phones with removable IMEI stickers, which is not the case with authentic Samsung smartphones,” one of the Anti-counterfeit Authority officials told journalists.

Early this year the Anti-Counterfeit Agency released a report that showed nearly three out of every four Kenyans use counterfeit goods.

Some of the counterfeit phones impounded during the raid by anti-counterfeit officials. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

"We raided several shops along Tom Mboya Street and arrested unscrupulous businessmen who were selling fake mobile phones to customers," said the Anti-illicit trade Agency. Samsung Brand Protector Peter Mutula who was part of the sting operation.

The arrested traders will be arraigned in court today.