The UK police have uncovered a significant iPhone smuggling operation, leveraging the Apple Find My feature that allowed them to track stolen devices to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport, as reported by BBC.
The investigation began following a theft incident on Christmas, when a victim was able to locate their iPhone at a warehouse, where later 894 additional phones were discovered. This led to a series of raids, during which police seized over 2000 devices and arrested 18 individuals.
Subsequent investigations revealed more shipments that were intended for the same warehouse. Authorities suspect the phones were destined for China.
Detective Mark Gavin stated that the gang was specifically targeting Apple products due to their high value in international markets. In London, stolen iPhones were sold for £300 each, while in China, their price could reach £4000 ($5366).
UK policing minister Sarah Jones mentioned that some criminals are even shifting from drug trafficking to phone theft, as it has become a more lucrative endeavor.