Hyderabad Police Crack Down on International Smartphone Smuggling: 31 Arrested

Hyderabad: The sleuths of the Hyderabad Police Commissioner’s Task Force busted an international smartphone smuggling and mobile phone theft gang with the arrest of 31 people including a Sudanese National.

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As many as 713 smartphones, an auto rickshaw, two computers, and a laptop, all worth over Rs.2 crore were seized from the possession of arrested persons. Of the 31 people, 15 of them were phone snatchers while 11 were receivers of stolen phones and 4 of them were technicians, who unlock the stolen mobile phones and temper with the IMEI numbers.

Key Player: Mohammed Musa Hassan Gamaralanbia

The arrested Sudan national has been identified as Mohammed Musa Hassan Gamaralanbia, 26, a phone accessories businessman and resident of Bismillah Residency in Nanalnagar and a native of Gabr at Khartoum in Sudan.

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Modus Operandi

According to police, Hyderabad has been witnessing a spate of mobile phone snatchings and even a murder took place in recent times. While investigating these incidents, it was found that a major criminal network has been operating in the city involving cell phone theft offenders and a host of receivers of these stolen cell phones are into the business of unlawful transport of handsets to sell them for illegal profits.

Further, several stolen cell phones are being dismantled in markets apart from changing IMEI numbers and resultant components such as mobile screens, cameras, and speakers. The components were subsequently used as replacement parts for existing damaged mobiles received from customers at lower prices in comparison to original company rates.

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A few weeks ago, a similar network of stolen cell phone rackets was busted by the Task Force, and several persons were arrested. Explaining the modus operandi, Task Force DCP S Rashmi Perumal said the phone snatchers were found to be committing offenses in crowded areas like stations, wine shops, and public meetings.

With a desire to lead a lavish life, the gang collectively commits cell phone thefts and sells them to receivers to earn money easily.

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These receivers have contacts with mobile technicians at select locations in Jagadeesh Market in Abids, who have expertise in unlocking cell phones and tampering with IMEI numbers using unauthorized applications to conceal their offenses. It has also been discovered that the cell phone receivers have offered advance payments to snatchers to encourage them to bring bulk quantities of cell phones.

International Trafficking Route

Subsequently, these cell phones were being sold to Sudanese national Hassan, who is illegally exporting these via sea route. After a thorough investigation, the police arrested the gang members and seized 713 smartphones of various brands.

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The police advised citizens to be vigilant while moving in crowded places and to report any snatching/theft incident to the police at the earliest. Further, mobile shop owners in the city are cautioned to refrain from purchasing or selling stolen cell phones or engaging in illegal activities such as tampering with IMEI numbers as strict legal action will be taken against them.

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