A single missing iPhone led to the dismantling of UK’s largest-ever phone theft network- a criminal gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen devices from Britain to China. In a sweeping operation, the police raided 28 properties across London and Hertfordshire, arresting 18 suspects and seizing more than 2,000 stolen phones. Officers believe the gang could be responsible for half of all mobile thefts in London, where three-quarters of the UK’s stolen phones are taken.

Christmas Eve Discovery

The investigation began almost by accident- with a victim who refused to give up on their stolen iPhone. The police said, “It was actually on Christmas Eve. A victim electronically tracked their stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport."

Security guards at the warehouse agreed to ch

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