Submerged iPad in Thames River Unlocks International Crime Ring: A Tale of High-Tech Forensics

A Six-Year Crime Investigation Resolved by an iPad from the Thames

A six-year investigation into a suspected international organized crime ring has led to the conviction of three men—Louise Ahearne, Stewart Ahearne, and Daniel Kelly. The key piece of evidence was an iPad recovered from London's River Thames after more than five years.

Background of the Investigation

• 2019 Attempted Murder: A man was paralyzed from the chest down in a crime that first drew police attention to the trio.
• Ming Vase Robbery (Geneva): Stewart Ahearne left DNA traces at the scene of this robbery, further implicating the group.
• Burglary of a Luxury Apartment: The suspects were also involved in burglarizing a high-end British apartment.

Discovery of the iPad

• November 2024: Police received a crucial detail from a statement that led them to use a metal detector in a specific location in the River Thames.
• Location: John Harrison Way, where Kelly was reported to have exited a vehicle.

Forensic Analysis

• SIM Card Data: The iPad's SIM card provided call data and contacts with various suspects.
• Additional Evidence: The data led police to Amazon and eBay purchases of unregistered Nokia burner phones used in the attempted murder plot.

Outcome

• Convictions: All three men were convicted of conspiracy to murder and will be sentenced on April 25, 2025.
• Detective's Reflections: DCI Webb noted the importance of this evidence, calling it a 'beautiful piece of the puzzle.' The detective also pondered whether the criminals' blunders or their overconfidence led to their downfall.