40,000 stolen iPhones: 18 arrested, including one Indian

The Metropolitan Police said this is the biggest operation ever conducted in the UK against phone theft. During the operation, 18 people were arrested, and more than 2,000 stolen phones were recovered.

Among those arrested, two are Afghan nationals and one is an Indian citizen. Police claim the gang was responsible for sending abroad nearly 50% of all phones stolen in London.

This investigation began when last Christmas a victim tracked their stolen iPhone and its location was found in a warehouse near Heathrow Airport.

When security personnel searched there, they found the phone in a box containing 894 other phones. The investigation revealed that almost all phones were stolen and were being sent to Hong Kong.

After this, police stopped further shipments and identified two suspects through forensic investigation. Police found that they would smuggle phones wrapped in foil in cars to avoid detection of stolen goods.

Both accused are 30-year-old Afghan citizens. They are charged with possession of stolen goods and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. A 29-year-old Indian citizen is also involved in the smuggling gang.

This gang specifically targeted Apple phones because they sell for higher prices abroad.

Phone thieves in London used to get up to 300 pounds per phone, while the same phones were sold for up to 4,000 pounds in China. Such phones are popular in China because they help in using the internet to avoid government censorship.

Police Commander Andrew Featherstone said, 'This is the biggest operation against mobile theft in Britain so far. We have targeted everyone from street thieves to international networks sending thousands of phones abroad.'

However, many victims have criticized the police for not taking immediate action on theft incidents. Many people complain that even when they provide their phone's location through services like "Find My iPhone", the police do not help.