Gang Suspected of Sending Up to 40k Stolen UK Iphones to China

Posted3 months agoActive3 months ago

tosh

7 points

2 comments

bbc.comTechstory

calmnegative

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Iphone TheftOrganized CrimeCybersecurity

Key topics

Iphone Theft

Organized Crime

Cybersecurity

A gang is suspected of stealing up to 40,000 iPhones in the UK and sending them to China, highlighting the issue of large-scale mobile device theft and potential resale in foreign markets.

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01Story posted
Oct 11, 2025 at 4:08 PM EDT
3 months ago
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Oct 11, 2025 at 10:47 PM EDT
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Oct 12, 2025 at 9:39 PM EDT
3 months ago
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Discussion (2 comments)

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Scaevolus

3 months ago

1 reply

> The Met Police investigation discovered street thieves were being paid up to £300 per handset - and the force said stolen devices are being sold in China for up to £4,000 each, given they are internet-enabled and more attractive for those trying to bypass censorship.

This doesn't make sense. You can buy "internet-enabled" phones in China easily, the Great Firewall isn't device-level. Why would a stolen iPhone be worth more than a new one?

litbear2022

3 months ago

Recipe: Raging demand for repairs drives stolen iPhones from all corners of the world to Shenzhen.

BBC Seasoning: Add a touch of political conspiracy theory flavor

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ID: 45552262Type: storyLast synced: 11/17/2025, 10:03:22 AM

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