In London, police have exposed a significant iPhone smuggling network by using the Apple Find My feature, which allowed them to locate stolen phones in a warehouse near Heathrow Airport, reports BBC.
The investigation began after a theft on Christmas, when a victim was able to locate their iPhone in a warehouse, where 894 more devices were subsequently found. This led to a series of searches that resulted in the confiscation of over 2000 phones and the arrest of 18 individuals.
Further investigation uncovered several more shipments that were also destined for the same warehouse. Authorities suspect that the phones were intended for shipment to China.
Detective Mark Gavin stated that the gang specifically targeted Apple products due to their high value in international markets. Stolen iPhones were sold in London for £300 each, while their price in China could reach £4000 ($5366).
UK Police Minister Sarah Jones remarked that some criminals are even shifting from drug trafficking to phone theft, as it has become more profitable.