Police in the UK dismantles largest phone smuggling network

The Metropolitan Police has broken up a suspected international smuggling gang in the UK’s largest operation ever targeting mobile phone theft. Authorities recovered thousands of stolen devices and arrested multiple suspects linked to a network believed to have exported up to 40,000 stolen phones, primarily Apple iPhones, from the UK to China over the past year. The gang is thought to have handled nearly 40% of all phones stolen in London. Experts note that stolen devices are often stripped for parts or, when possible, resold on the secondary mobile market, although most devices are protected by iCloud locks. GSMA maintains a global database of blacklisted IMEI numbers, and SecondaryMarket.news urges the industry to fully use this resource and refrain from trading in stolen smartphones.

Massive operation leads to arrests

The investigation began in December last year when officers discovered a shipment containing around 1,000 stolen Apple iPhones at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. This discovery launched Operation Echosteep, a major initiative involving specialist detectives who typically handle armed robbery and narcotics cases. Two men in their 30s were later arrested in north-east London on suspicion of handling stolen goods, leading police to a further 2,000 devices in properties linked to them.

Targeting every level of the chain

Commander Andrew Featherstone, the Met’s lead on tackling phone theft, said the operation dismantled criminal networks “at every level, from street-level thieves to international organised crime groups exporting tens of thousands of stolen devices each year.” He called on manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung to enhance phone security and support the police in tackling theft and reuse.

Street-level offenders and international routes

The operation also led to 15 additional arrests related to theft, robbery, and handling stolen goods. More than 30 suspected devices were found across 28 properties in London and Hertfordshire. Detective Inspector Mark Gavin, who led the investigation, revealed that the gang focused on Apple devices due to their high resale value overseas. Street thieves were reportedly paid up to €350 per phone, with devices later selling for as much as €4,700 in China.

Significant drop in phone-related crime

According to the Met, mobile phone thefts in London have dropped 14% this year, with personal robberies down 13%. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, praised the force’s “largest-ever coordinated campaign” and highlighted that record funding has boosted neighbourhood policing in theft hotspots such as Westminster and the West End. He reiterated his call for tech manufacturers to make stolen devices unusable to prevent the lucrative black market trade.

Government supports further police action

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the operation sends a clear message that police are “coming after” everyone involved in phone theft, from street robbers to organised crime groups. She emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding police powers and resources to further disrupt mobile phone crime across the country.

A blow to global phone smuggling

The Met’s actions have dealt a significant blow to the illegal global phone trade. With nearly 80,000 devices stolen in London last year, the disruption of one of its largest export networks marks a major victory for law enforcement and a warning to those profiting from the stolen device economy.