London, England, police have intercepted a cell phone theft and smuggling ring that shipped stolen phones to China. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Britain's Metropolitan Police said they dismantled an international smuggling gang and seized thousands of stolen cell phones.
Police disrupted a major criminal network suspected to have smuggled up to 40,000 stolen phones from the United Kingdom to China in the past year. This is up to 40% of all phones stolen in London, a press release said. The investigation lasted nearly a year.
Police also arrested 18 people, including 15 for robberies and pickpocketing. They've found more than 2,000 stolen phones, BBC reported. Police said they believe this gang could be responsible for exporting up to half of phones stolen in London.
The operation began after one victim traced their stolen phone.
