Between January and September 2024, a total of 40,067 cell phone theftsincluding 8,167 violent. This figure, which equates to a theft of around 168 devices per day, shows a slight decrease compared to the previous year, when 67,579 stolen mobile phones were recorded over the whole of 2023, with an average of 185 per day. Even though the number of thefts has decreased, the number of prisoners has increased considerably. In 2023, 2,331 people were arrested, or 17.4% more, for violent thefts, while in the first nine months of 2024 there are already 1,550 arrests. This increase is partly due to police actions against repeat offenders.
He thieves’ modus operandi This usually involves taking advantage of moments of inattention in busy places, such as tourist areas, festivals or concerts. Criminals often act quickly, and once they steal the phone, they turn it off and wrap it in foil to prevent tracking. THE stolen devices They are sold on the black market, where older models sell for around 20 euros, while newer ones can fetch up to 400 euros. Police have stepped up operations during mass events to stop these thefts, as shown in Spring sound in May, where a thief who stole 34 cell phones in one night was arrested.
The route of stolen cell phones in Spain
In recent years, cell phone theft and theft have been growing at an alarming rate, due to the high demand for these devices around the world. illegal markets. One of the most used methods by criminals is format stolen phones using specific computer programs. This process eliminates any personal data of the former owner, thus allowing the mobile to be put back on sale without leaving any trace of its origin. However, some organized groups resort to even more sophisticated tactics, such as posing as manufacturers or businesses. mobile phone operators to attempt to obtain user passcodes and unlock devices.
In September, an international gang operating in both Spain and Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. This criminal network was dedicated to stealing high-end phones, which were then unlocked through the use of a fake website posing as a telecommunications company.
Thanks to an SMS containing a fraudulent linkthey managed to obtain access credentials to the victims’ devices. In total, it is estimated that the gang managed to unlock more than 1.3 million stolen cell phones, including 30,000 in Spain.
Once formatted or unlockedStolen phones are usually sent to other countries, including Morocco and to the Asian market. The routes taken by criminals have changed in recent years. If previously stolen cell phones were sent to countries like Algeria or Senegal, the majority of them now go to Morocco, where there are many bazaars and street vendors selling used phones. The main reason for this change is the difficulty of reselling stolen phones in Spain, where authorities generally exercise stricter surveillance.
One of the most common methods used to transport stolen devices to Morocco is to hide them in holes in vehicles that legally transport large items. They are also sent camouflaged in packages, making their detection even more difficult. Despite efforts to block IMEI of stolen devicesthis system is only valid in the European Union. Outside of this country, such as in North Africa, the blockade is ineffective, making recovery of phones virtually impossible.
In recent months, authorities have identified a new destination for stolen phones: the Asian market. In February this year, the Civil Guard and the Tax Administration intercepted several packages containing 472 high-end phones stolenwhose value was estimated at around 400,000 euros. These devices were intended for Asia, where there is a high demand for cell phone spare parts. Most of these phones were stolen in Catalonia, Madrid and Aragon, some in violent robberies involving the use of knives and causing serious injuries to the victims.
One of the main police recommendations to prevent phone theft is that users know the IMEI number of their device. This unique 15-digit code is essential to be able to report and block a stolen phone. The Mossos suggest writing down this number in a safe place, because if the phone is stolen, with this code you can block the terminal and prevent criminals from using it. To get the IMEI, simply dial *#06# on the phone.
