Police intercept international phone-smuggling ring after 40,000 devices stolen

"The criminal organisation is believed to have smuggled up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over the past 12 months around 40 per cent of all phones stolen in the capital, the Met said on Monday. The force launched Operation Echosteep in December 2024 after a box containing about 1,000 iPhones being shipped to Hong Kong was found at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. Officers discovered almost all the phones had been stolen, police said."

"A man was charged with handling stolen goods after being stopped with 10 suspected stolen phones at Heathrow Airport on September 20, the force added. Up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over the past 12 months, around 40 per cent of all phones stolen in London (Metropolitan Police/PA Wire) Officers also discovered two iPads, two laptops and two Rolex watches. Further inquiries revealed the same man had travelled between London and Algeria more than 200 times in two years, police said."

"Two other men aged in their 30s were arrested three days later in north-east London on suspicion of handling stolen goods. A number of phones were found in their car and around 2,000 more devices were found at properties linked to the suspects. They were subsequently charged and remanded in custody, police said. Two more men, also in their 30s, were arrested on September 25 on suspicion of money laundering and handling stolen goods after Met officers recovered about 40,000 in cash at a phone shop in Seven Sisters Road, Islington, north London."

The Metropolitan Police launched Operation Echosteep in December 2024 after a box of about 1,000 iPhones bound for Hong Kong was found at a warehouse near Heathrow. Officers found almost all the devices were stolen and intercepted further shipments using forensic evidence on packages to identify suspects. Investigations uncovered an organisation believed to have moved up to 40,000 stolen phones to China in the past year, representing around 40% of phones stolen in London. Multiple suspects were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering, thousands of devices and substantial cash were recovered, and several were charged or bailed pending further inquiries.

Read at www.independent.co.uk