For the first time, law enforcement in London is shedding light on a widespread international phone theft network. Police have discovered that over 80,000 smartphones were stolen in the British capital last year, with many of these devices being repurposed in overseas markets. Recent operations targeting secondhand electronics shops have revealed organized efforts to smuggle stolen devices across borders.
Authorities are now focusing on tracing the routes these devices take after being stolen. Investigations suggest that some of the stolen phones are being sold in countries with weaker regulatory frameworks, allowing criminals to profit from the resale. The police have launched a full-scale operation to dismantle these networks, which have been operating in the shadows for years.
The scale of the crime has prompted calls for stricter international cooperation on electronic device tracking and theft prevention. With over 80,000 devices at risk, London’s police are working with overseas agencies to trace the movement of stolen smartphones and identify the individuals profiting from this illicit trade.