The operation, codenamed Echosteep, has led to 46 arrests, exposing a criminal network stretching from London’s streets to international smuggling routes. Investigators say the gang was responsible for roughly 40% of all stolen phones in London, where nearly three-quarters of the UK’s mobile thefts occur.
“This is the largest crackdown on mobile phone theft and robbery in the UK,” said Commander Andrew Featherstone, the Met Police lead on the case. “We dismantled criminal networks at every level, from street thieves to international export operations moving tens of thousands of devices annually.”
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The investigation began almost by accident on Christmas Eve last year. A victim tracked a stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. Officers found nearly 900 more phones in the same shipment, launching a full-scale probe that uncovered the international smuggling operation.
Subsequent forensic work and raids identified multiple suspects, including two Afghan nationals carrying foil-wrapped phones, a method used to block tracking signals. Police also arrested a 29-year-old Indian national and discovered around 2,000 additional stolen devices tied to the network. Another suspect, who frequently traveled between London and Algeria, was caught carrying ten stolen phones.Raids, cash, and Apple devicesThe investigation expanded as officers followed the money trail. In late September, two men were arrested at a phone shop in Islington’s Seven Sisters Road, where police seized £42,000 in cash and multiple stolen devices.
Authorities noted that the gang specifically targeted Apple products, which can fetch up to $5,000 each in China. Stolen devices were often wiped or repurposed before resale, meeting high demand in international markets.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the operation “the largest of its kind in UK history,” praising the Met for going after both street-level thieves and the global masterminds orchestrating the thefts.
The operation has become a focal point in political discourse, particularly among right-wing commentators and politicians.
Figures like Nigel Farage have portrayed London as increasingly lawless, citing rising crime rates as evidence. However, Commander Andrew Featherstone of the Metropolitan Police has challenged these narratives, highlighting official figures showing a 13% decrease in robbery this year. He suggests that such claims may be driven by political agendas rather than reflecting the actual crime trends .
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Technology companies, particularly Apple, prevented the resale of stolen devices. The Metropolitan Police have expressed frustration with mobile phone manufacturers for not implementing more effective measures to prevent the resale of stolen devices overseas. Commander Featherstone emphasized the need for coordinated global action to shut down this trade and build a safer London for everyone.
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