The Metropolitan Police have smashed an international phone smuggling gang in their largest ever phone theft crackdown. After a year-long probe, cops uncovered a criminal network shipping up to 40,000 stolen phones from London to China – nearly 40% of all London phone thefts.
Major Bust of International Smuggling Ring
The Met’s Operation Echosteep began last December when officers found a crate of around 1,000 stolen iPhones near Heathrow Airport destined for Hong Kong. Specialist detectives were drafted in to track the gang behind the heist.
Over months, they intercepted more shipments, leading to the arrest of two men in north-east London with thousands of stolen devices in their car and properties. The investigation revealed a smuggling operation responsible for exporting up to 40% of London’s stolen phones.
More Than Just Smugglers: Tackling Street-Level Crime
In a follow-up clampdown, police arrested 15 more suspects involved in street robberies and pickpocketing. Searches at 28 locations across London and Hertfordshire uncovered over 30 additional stolen phones, disrupting the entire supply chain from thieves to smugglers.
Commander Andrew Featherstone, Met lead for phone theft: “This is the largest crackdown on mobile phone theft in UK history. We’ve smashed networks from street criminals to international gangs. Londoners deserve safety, and this operation shows our commitment to cutting crime.” “We’re calling on manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to help protect their customers with better security measures.”
High-Value Stolen Phones Fuel Ruthless Crime
Detective Inspector Mark Gavin explained the gang specifically targeted pricey Apple products because they fetch huge sums overseas. Street thieves were paid up to £300 per handset, with devices selling for as much as $5,000 in China.
“Behind every phone is a victim,” Gavin said. “People lose precious photos and sometimes suffer violent robberies. This group turned stolen phones into industrial-scale profits.”
London Sees Crime Drop Amid Crackdown
Thanks to the Met’s focused efforts, personal robberies dropped by 13% and thefts by 14% this year. Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the operation:
“I’ve seen how the Met is tackling both the street thieves and the international smuggling gangs. This crackdown led to hundreds of arrests and thousands of phones seized, helping cut crime in the city.”
The Mayor urged phone makers to “go harder and faster” in making stolen devices useless to criminals, highlighting the need for coordinated global action.
Latest Arrests and Operations
- Eleven arrested during a special operation targeting gangs robbing courier vans delivering the new iPhone 17, using cutting-edge tracking technology.
- Two men held on suspicion of money laundering and handling stolen goods after police seized £40,000 cash and stolen devices at a phone shop in Islington.
- A man caught with 10 stolen phones, iPads, laptops, and Rolex watches at Heathrow, linked to 200 trips between London and Algeria over two years, charged with handling stolen goods.
Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: “This massive operation sends a clear message to all phone thieves and organised crime gangs – we’re coming for you. We’re boosting police powers and presence to keep London’s streets safe.”
The Met’s unprecedented crackdown proves phone theft is being taken seriously. But the fight isn’t over yet – with criminals making millions, the police need industry support and tougher tech to end mobile phone crime for good.
