In a major development, the Telangana Police on Sunday busted a mobile phone theft syndicate, detaining over 31 individuals involved in the alleged crime, including a Sudanese national from Hyderabad.
The police stated that the matter first came to light after an investigation was initiated into the growing incidents of mobile theft in the city. During the investigation, it was found that a major criminal network had been operating in the city, involving cell phone theft offenders who were transferring the stolen phones to various receivers (both nationally and internationally). These receivers then smuggled the cell phones out of the country for illegal profits.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Commissioners Task Forces) S Rashmi Perumal, in a release issued today, elaborated on the chronology of the crime. She confirmed that a total of 31 people, including a Sudanese national, were behind the crime syndicate.
The police detailed that the operation started with the snatching and theft of cell phones, which were then sold to receivers. These receivers had contacts with mobile technicians who specialized in unlocking the phones and tampering with their IMEI numbers, while the resultant components, such as mobile screens, cameras, and speakers, were subsequently used as replacement parts for damaged mobiles received from customers, at a fraction of the price compared to original company rates.
The police added, the accused, who are all friends except for the Sudanese national, collectively hatched a plan to commit theft and snatching of cell phones and sell these stolen phones to receivers. These receivers had contacts with mobile technicians who specialized in unlocking the phones and tampering with their IMEI numbers.
Moreover, during the course of investigation it was also revealed that the cell phone receivers offered advance payments to the snatchers to encourage them to bring in a bulk quantity of cell phones. These stolen cell phones were then sold to the Sudanese national residing in the city, who allegedly exported them illegally via sea routes.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that the 31 accused have been detained and 713 smartphones of various brands were seized from their possession. Further investigation is ongoing, they added.
