UK police dismantle gang smuggling 40,000 stolen phones to China

The operation began last Christmas Eve when a theft victim tracked their stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. Detectives discovered the phone inside a shipment box containing 895 other devices, almost all confirmed stolen. The phones were being shipped to Hong Kong, triggering an extensive investigation that led to the uncovering of a major international smuggling ring.

Foil-wrapped devices and car interception

Officers traced two suspects and intercepted their vehicle in a dramatic roadside operation. Inside, they found dozens of foil-wrapped phones, a method used to evade detection by signal scanners.

Both suspects — Afghan nationals in their 30s — were charged with conspiracy to receive stolen goods and conceal criminal property. A 29-year-old Indian national was later charged with the same offenses.

Female suspects arrested in follow-up raids

Last week, police arrested 15 additional suspects, including a Bulgarian woman, during early-morning raids across London. Thirty more stolen phones were recovered.

Phone thefts triple in London

The number of phones stolen in London has nearly tripled in four years — from 28,609 in 2020 to 80,588 in 2024.

According to police, three-quarters of all stolen phones in the UK are now taken in the capital.

Criminals specifically target Apple devices, which can sell for up to $4,000 each in China, compared to about £300 paid to street thieves in London.

“Criminals now see phones as more profitable than drugs”

Policing Minister Sarah Jones said that organized crime groups are shifting from drug trafficking to phone theft because it’s easier and more lucrative:

“Some criminals have stopped dealing drugs and moved into the phone business because it’s more profitable.”

Victims demand stronger police action

Victims have criticized the police for not acting swiftly, even when provided with live phone locations via Apple’s Find My iPhone.

Natalie Mitchel, whose phone was stolen on Oxford Street, told the BBC:

“It’s really unnerving. I think the Met Police should be doing a lot more — maybe with more CCTV or undercover officers to tackle this.”

Budget cuts amid rising theft

The Metropolitan Police say phone theft and robbery have dropped 14% and 13% respectively in 2025, thanks to new patrol teams and social media awareness campaigns.

However, the force faces a £260 million budget deficit and expects to lose nearly 2,000 officers next year, even as London’s phone theft epidemic continues.