In London, an international criminal group has been revealed, which was suspected of transporting stolen smartphones to China. 9TO5MAC reports that 18 people have been arrested as a result of this operation and more than 2,000 devices were confiscated.
Investigation began after the stolen iPhone owner followed the device with FIND MY app. The device was found in the warehouse near the Heathrow Airport, along with 894 other smartphones. This discovery has allowed the police to suspend other cargo transportation, collect the DNA parcels and identify the main persons. A total of 28 addresses were searched.
The police estimates that the group may have exported to 40,000 stolen devices in recent years and is responsible for half theft of phones in London. Investigators note that the theft of organized phones has become so profitable that some criminals from illegal drug trafficking are circulated in the illegal circulation of stolen devices.
According to the investigation, the criminals mainly targeted Apple devices due to their high attractiveness in foreign markets. Street thieves received up to 300 pounds for each device (approximately 33,500 rubles). How fraudsters bypass Apple lock on stolen devices is unknown. Police are investigating several theories, including the hypothesis of the devices enabled and unlocked until delivery.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
