[EXCLUSIVE] Theft ring dismantled in Colobane: 500 phones, 33 tablets and computers seized by the SR and the GIGN, 23 arrests

As part of a large-scale offensive against urban crime, the National Gendarmerie, under the command of General Martin Faye, has just dealt a crucial blow to the snatch-and-grab theft and trafficking of stolen electronic devices in Dakar. A meticulously planned operation by the Colobane Research Section, supported by the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, led to the dismantling of a highly structured criminal organization, according to exclusive information obtained by Seneweb.

The geolocation angle as a triggering factor

It all began with a meticulous investigation conducted by detectives from the Dakar Research Section. Faced with a surge in cases of mobile phone and cash thefts in various parts of the capital, the gendarmes traced the stolen devices using technology. The investigations quickly bore fruit, as all the geolocation data converged on a single point in Colobane. Several residences in Colobane were thus formally identified as hubs through which numerous stolen phones passed.

A coordinated early morning assault between the Research Section and the GIGN

Once the network was located and the targets identified, the command launched a large-scale operation. Between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., forces from the Research Section and elite elements of the GIGN simultaneously raided the targeted locations. During the morning, three houses and six shops were searched by law enforcement.

On site, the discoveries made by the gendarmes revealed the industrial scale of the trafficking operation. Security forces seized more than five hundred mobile phones of unverifiable origin, as well as thirty-three tablets. Investigators also discovered thousands of discarded phones and spare parts, attesting to the existence of extensive dismantling and resale activities.

The computer component of the network was also neutralized with the seizure of four all-in-one computers, which were used to decode and manipulate the suspected stolen devices. In addition, six laptops and two desktop computers were also confiscated. Finally, six motorcycles without license plates, suspected of being used in the snatch thefts, were seized and impounded. At the end of this initial phase, twenty-three people were arrested for questioning and identification purposes.

The unexpected twist of the confession during the search

The operation took a decisive turn during the initial findings and preliminary interviews conducted on-site by investigators. Cornered by the evidence, one of the individuals arrested agreed to cooperate and led the police to other secret hiding places.

These exclusive revelations obtained by Seneweb led law enforcement to six additional stores that were allegedly used as receiving and distribution points for stolen goods. Searches conducted at these new locations uncovered another significant quantity of electronic equipment, further increasing an already impressive haul. All the physical evidence suggests the existence of a highly structured network specializing in the theft, receiving, dismantling, unlocking, and resale of mobile phones.

A technical investigation is ongoing to identify all accomplices.

All twenty-three individuals arrested and all of the seized items were immediately taken to the premises of the Research Section for the purposes of the investigation and technical analysis.

The investigators' work is far from over, and the investigation is now actively continuing on several fronts. The gendarmerie is first and foremost focused on precisely identifying the roles and responsibilities of each individual involved in this organization. Technicians are also working to trace the entire network of resale and distribution channels for the stolen devices in order to identify all the repairers, receivers of stolen goods, and accomplices involved.

Finally, the operations aim to establish the exact origin of the seized materials to allow for possible restitution, while continuing the search to apprehend any other person involved in this criminal network.