Overview

• Scotland Yard alleges the network funneled London-stolen smartphones, largely Apple models, to China and Hong Kong over the past year.
• Investigators say street thieves were paid up to £300 per device, with some phones resold abroad for far higher sums reported as high as $5,000.
• Officers intercepted consignments, including boxes of handsets and devices wrapped in foil, as part of Operation Echostep.
• Police and city leaders urged manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung to strengthen anti-theft protections and curb the overseas resale market.
• The crackdown comes as London recorded just over 80,000 phones reported stolen in 2024, with inquiries into assets and international links continuing.