Hyderabad: The South Zone Team of the Commissioner’s Task Force, Hyderabad, in collaboration with Bandlaguda Police, has dismantled an International Gang involved in the smuggling and theft of smartphones, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals, including five Sudanese nationals.
The seized items include 703 smartphones and one Bajaj Pulser NS 200 motorcycle, totaling property worth 1.75 crore rupees.
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in mobile phone thefts and snatchings across Hyderabad, prompting a comprehensive investigation by the city police. This investigation unveiled a significant criminal network operating within the city, encompassing cell phone snatchers, receivers of stolen goods, and national and international traders engaged in the unlawful transport of these devices abroad for illicit gains. Additionally, stolen cell phones are being disassembled in specialized markets, with their components used as replacements for damaged devices at a fraction of the original price.
The accused individuals, listed with their details, were involved in various criminal cases, with some having previous records. Their modus operandi involved terrorizing pedestrians during late hours in isolated areas, utilizing stolen vehicles to commit thefts across multiple police jurisdictions. Stolen smartphones were then sold to local receivers, including one Mohd Saleem, before being exported illegally to Sudan by the Sudanese nationals for substantial profits. Legal action is being pursued against the foreign nationals for their involvement in these illegal activities.
Further investigation revealed the complicity of various individuals, including those with past criminal records, in the smuggling and distribution of stolen smartphones. The Hyderabad police have apprehended these individuals and seized a significant number of smartphones from them, belonging to various brands such as Apple iPhone, Samsung, Vivo, RedMi, RealMe, OnePlus, Oppo, and POCO. Ongoing investigations are continuing into the matter.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
