Federal Charges Fly in International Tech Theft Ring; MacBook Fraud Takes Center Stage

Crime Blotter: Significant Apple-Related Thefts and Fraud in 2025

13 People Charged in Federal 'New Age Porch Pirate' Case

Federal prosecutors in New Jersey charged 13 individuals with operating an international network that stole thousands of shipments containing iPhones, iPads, and Samsung devices. They bribed cell phone carrier employees to obtain orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses. Two defendants were also charged with wire fraud conspiracy and the transportation of stolen property.

$500,000 Florida UPS Theft Ring

Four suspects, including three UPS employees, were arrested in a theft ring involving the stealing of UPS packages containing iPhones and Macs in South Florida. The scheme was uncovered after T-Mobile noticed over $500,000 in losses and used GPS tracking devices to trace the stolen goods to California.

Chinese Executive Arrested for MacBook Discount Scheme

A 35-year-old Chinese man working as the head of a computer retailer in Tokyo was arrested for orchestrating a scheme where students from China bought MacBooks at discounted rates and resold them abroad. The Metropolitan Police Department claims he obtained around 700 computers, using company credit cards and involving a crime syndicate.

Stolen Debit Card Used at Ohio Apple Store

Two suspects used a stolen debit card to purchase $860 worth of items from the Summit Mall Apple Store in Akron, Ohio, and another $600 at a different location. Police released photos of the suspects on Facebook.

Man Claiming 'Spark Order' Stole Apple Watches and AirPods Pro from Walmart

A man stole two Series 10 Apple Watches and two AirPods Pro from a Walmart in Nebraska by falsely claiming he was picking up an order from Spark delivery service. He is suspected of being part of a group targeting multiple Walmart stores.

Possible Police Conspiracy Uncovered via Apple Watch

A Florida man sued a local police department, alleging that a police officer and his ex-girlfriend conspired to have him arrested. The conspiracy was uncovered after finding revealing texts on his son's Apple Watch, which previously belonged to the ex-girlfriend.

Man Sought for Stealing iPad from New Jersey Service Area

New Jersey State Police are searching for a man who stole an iPad from a service area on the Garden State Parkway. Photos of the suspect and his car were released by the police.

Man Charged with Child Sex Abuse Material on iPad

A 42-year-old Idaho man was charged with several crimes, including video voyeurism, possessing child pornography, and domestic battery after images were discovered on an iPad. The discovery led to a physical altercation.

Man Sentenced for Stealing iPhone from Mosque in Singapore

In Singapore, a man was arrested for stealing an iPhone and two bags from a mosque while the owners were praying. He asked for $300 when confronted by the owner. Given his previous drug offenses and failure to remain at a halfway house, he received a sentence of two years, ten months, and 130 days.