Major Phone Theft Network Disrupted in London, 46 Arrested
London, UK – A large-scale police operation led by the Metropolitan Police has resulted in the arrest of 46 individuals suspected of involvement in a criminal network responsible for stealing and smuggling an estimated 40,000 mobile phones, primarily to China. The crackdown, described as “the largest on mobile phone theft and robbery in the UK,” has uncovered a complex operation exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile phone security and international resale markets.
Commander Andrew Featherstone, the Met’s lead for tackling phone theft, emphasized the scale of the operation, stating, “We’ve shown how serious we are about tackling this issue, but we need more help from the industry.” He specifically called on manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to enhance phone security measures and address the issue of re-use of stolen devices.
The two-week operation included targeted activity against gangs robbing courier vans delivering the new iPhone 17, resulting in 11 arrests. Officers also arrested two men in their 30s on suspicion of money laundering and handling stolen goods after recovering almost £40,000 in cash at a phone shop in north London.
Further investigations led to a man being charged with handling stolen goods after being apprehended at Heathrow Airport on September 20th with 10 suspected stolen phones, along with two iPads, two laptops, and two Rolex watches. Police discovered he had travelled between London and Algeria over 200 times in the past two years.
The operation highlights a growing concern over the ease and profitability of mobile phone theft, with devices being repurposed and sold abroad. London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated it is indeed “simply too easy and profitable” for criminals “making millions by repurposing stolen phones and selling them abroad.” He urged the mobile phone industry to prioritize security measures, adding, “We need coordinated global action to shut down this trade and build a safer London for everyone.”
The Met Police are continuing to investigate and work with international partners to disrupt the flow of stolen devices and bring further perpetrators to justice.
