Summary
Police in the UK have arrested 18 people linked to an international gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China. This operation, which is the UK's largest against phone theft, was triggered by a victim who tracked their stolen iPhone to a location near Heathrow Airport. The investigation uncovered a network responsible for the theft and smuggling of phones, primarily stolen in London.
Key Facts
- The police operation is the UK's largest ever against phone thefts.
- Authorities suspect the gang has smuggled up to 40,000 stolen phones to China.
- The investigation started after a stolen iPhone was tracked to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport.
- Police arrested 18 suspects and found over 2,000 stolen devices.
- The gang may be responsible for up to 40% of all phones stolen in London.
- Many phones were found wrapped in foil to avoid detection.
- The numbers of phones stolen in London has almost tripled from 28,609 in 2020 to 80,588 in 2024.
- Phone snatching in London often occurs in busy tourist areas.
