Protests erupted outside the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City on Black Friday, resulting in the arrest of four demonstrators. Approximately 70 protesters gathered at the iconic location, expressing their concerns over Apple’s alleged links to exploitative cobalt mining practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its associations with U.S. immigration enforcement. The slogans carried by protesters included “think before you buy” and “Israel is killing children,” reflecting their discontent with the tech giant’s business practices.
The protests highlight a broader trend of activism targeting large corporations over ethical issues. The New York Daily News reported that the demonstrators intended to draw attention to Apple’s role in global supply chains and its perceived complicity in social injustices.
Major Theft Rings Disrupted Across Multiple Countries
In a separate incident, Canadian authorities dismantled a sophisticated cellphone theft ring responsible for the theft of 186 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices. The arrests occurred in late November after law enforcement discovered the stolen items in a T Force Logistics warehouse in Ontario. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated between $250,000 and $450,000.
According to Insauga, the suspects were linked to retail locations including Link It Up in Oakville and Amrit Electronics in Etobicoke. A significant cache of stolen property was recovered, including SIM cards, $65,000 in Canadian currency, and $4,000 in U.S. dollars. Both defendants face charges for trafficking and possession of stolen property, with one also charged with fraud.
Technological Advances in Law Enforcement
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increasingly turned to advanced technology to combat crime. Reports indicate that the agency has made substantial investments in tools such as Cellebrite, which is designed to unlock iPhones. Notably, ICE ordered $11.1 million worth of Cellebrite devices in September 2023.
In an incident documented by Forbes, CBP agents apprehended a man and two women crossing into California. After determining the man lacked proper documentation, all three were detained. Agents attempted to extract data from the women’s iPhones but needed to acquire a warrant to access their iCloud accounts when the initial efforts failed.
The use of such technology raises questions about privacy rights and the extent of surveillance in modern law enforcement practices.
Criminal Activity Linked to Apple’s Products
An on-camera arrest in Irvine, California, highlights ongoing issues related to Apple product theft. In early December, a man was apprehended for stealing a MacBook and AirPods from a local condominium community. The incident was recorded by police, leading to charges of possession of stolen property, drug possession, and false impersonation.
Meanwhile, police in Iowa are searching for a suspect who allegedly stole a MacBook during a Facebook Marketplace meetup. The man, who arrived on a motorcycle while wearing a helmet, introduced himself as “Nardo” before fleeing the scene. Authorities have since located the motorcycle but believe the suspect sold it shortly after the theft.
International Theft Rings Targeting Apple Devices
In India, four members of an interstate theft gang were arrested for stealing 40 high-end smartphones during a concert on December 7. The Delhi Police Crime Branch spent nearly 48 hours tracking the gang before making the arrests, recovering eight iPhones and several models from Samsung, OnePlus, and other brands. The alleged leader, known as “Salman,” reportedly stated that the gang targeted events where young people carried expensive phones.
Similarly, in Cambodia, police apprehended a group involved in a series of iPhone thefts in Phnom Penh. The Minor Crimes Bureau successfully arrested four suspects linked to nine separate incidents of theft, demonstrating the international scale of the problem.
These coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies worldwide reflect a growing recognition of the challenges posed by organized crime involving high-value electronics. With technology continuing to evolve, the battle against theft rings remains a pressing issue for both corporations and consumers alike.
