US EditionPolice launch UK's largest ever crackdown on phone thefts
The Metropolitan Police arrested 46 suspects and seized thousands of stolen devices in the UK's largest crackdown on phone theft, linked to a gang smuggling 40% of London’s stolen phones.
- In December 2024, police initiated Operation Echosteep after intercepting a shipment containing approximately 1,000 stolen iPhones at a facility close to Heathrow Airport.
- This operation began when a victim had tracked a stolen iPhone to that warehouse, prompting detectives to uncover an international gang smuggling devices abroad.
- Police raided 28 properties across London and Hertfordshire, arresting 18 suspects and recovering over 2,000 stolen devices linked to the gang.
- Detective Inspector Mark Gavin explained that locating the initial batch of phones led to an investigation that revealed the operations of an international phone trafficking network.
- Authorities believe this group smuggled up to 40,000 phones to China in the past year, with street thieves paid up to £300 per handset.
111 Articles
111 Articles
The British Metropolitan Police arrested 46 people and uncovered a criminal network that smuggled around 40,000 stolen mobile phones from Great Britain to China.
For years, mobile phone thefts have been a problem on the streets of London. Now the police have managed to hit a gang – they are said to have stolen tens of thousands of devices. A single iPhone led the authorities on the right track. The London police confiscated more than 2,000 devices and arrested 18 people. It was the largest British action against mobile phone thefts so far. The alleged gang is suspected of having stolen up to 40,000 smart…
In recent years, the number of mobile phone thefts in London has tripled. Often, motorcyclists tear their devices out of their hands. An organized gang is said to be responsible for 40 percent of the thefts.
With stolen smartphones, Hehler makes millions of profits. The police criticize the manufacturers, especially Apple.
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