Many iPhones Stolen in the US and Europe End Up in One Building in China

In a shocking revelation, it has been discovered that many iPhones stolen in places as far apart as New York, LA, and London end up in a single building in China, where they are resold or stripped for parts. This eerie phenomenon has led to the nickname "the stolen iPhone building" among locals in Shenzhen, China.

The Feiyang Times building, known for its repair services and upgraded iPhones, has become a marketplace for stolen devices. The fourth floor of this tower specializes in selling second-hand iPhones from Europe and the US. While some of these phones are legitimate trade-ins returned by western consumers to network operators or phone shops when upgrading to the latest models, others have a more dubious origin.

Using Apple's Find My feature, one victim was able to track his iPhone 15 Pro's 6,000-mile journey from its street theft in London to its eventual arrival at the Feiyang Times building. Sam Amrani's iPhone was snatched from his hands by two thieves riding electric bikes, a favored method among thieves for their speed and agility.

The Stolen iPhone Building: A Haven for Thieves

Despite sellers claiming to have no knowledge of how the phones ended up in the building, it is clear that there is a thriving market for stolen devices. Even locked iPhones are in demand, with buyers willing to pay top dollar for every component.

When victims receive iMessages intended to blackmail them into unlocking their devices, they may unwittingly fall prey to the scam. By displaying a phone number or email address, these messages aim to trick the owner into revealing sensitive information. However, experts assure that this is merely a bluff – there is no way to obtain personal data from a locked iPhone.

The Decline of Stolen iPhones

Thanks to Apple's security measures, such as the Find My app and Activation Lock, the demand for stolen iPhones has significantly decreased. However, as this piece illustrates, it seems that no amount of security can entirely eradicate the black market.

The most crucial step in preventing your iPhone from falling into the wrong hands is using a strong passcode and the Stolen Device Protection feature. By doing so, you ensure that thieves cannot get their hands on something worth more than your iPhone – your personal data.

Conclusion

The revelation of the Feiyang Times building as China's "stolen iPhone" hub serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between tech companies and thieves. While Apple's security measures have reduced the market for stolen iPhones, it is clear that there will always be a demand for such devices.