Nagpur Police Cracks Down on International Smartphone Trafficking Network
In a significant breakthrough, the Crime Branch squad of the Nagpur City Police has successfully dismantled an inter-state mobile theft gang that was actively involved in trafficking stolen high-end smartphones to neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal. This operation marks a major victory in curbing organized crime with international connections.
Major Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests and Recovery
Acting on credible intelligence, a specialized team led by Senior Police Inspector Dilip Chandan and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Maknikar conducted a meticulously planned raid. The operation targeted a rented accommodation located in the Kinkhede Layout area of Shahu Mohalla, where the gang had recently arrived and was preparing to depart after a brief stay.
During the search, authorities recovered a total of 40 high-end smartphones from various premium brands, with an estimated market value of approximately 12 lakh rupees. The police team arrested 10 members of the gang, effectively neutralizing their operations in the region.
Gang Composition and Criminal History
Among those apprehended were key figures such as Md Shahbaz (23), Md Dildar (19), and Sheikh Ajmer (20), all hailing from Katihar district in Bihar. Additionally, seven other individuals from Sahibganj district in Jharkhand were taken into custody. Investigations revealed that several of the accused had prior criminal records, with cases already registered against them at prominent police stations including Ambazari, Sonegaon, and MIDC.
During interrogation, the gang members confessed to their involvement in a sophisticated network that extended beyond state borders. They admitted to maintaining direct links with criminal syndicates operating in Bangladesh and Nepal, facilitating the illegal export of stolen devices.
Wide-Ranging Criminal Activities and Modus Operandi
Police probes indicate that the gang was highly active across Nagpur city and its surrounding regions. Their criminal activities spanned multiple neighboring districts, including Yavatmal, Bhandara, Washim, and Nanded. The gang employed a systematic approach: targeting unsuspecting victims to steal smartphones, then quickly funneling the devices through an inter-state network designed to evade detection.
Furthermore, preliminary investigations have uncovered disturbing hints of potential ties to radical elements based in Malda, a border district notorious for its involvement in various illegal cross-border activities. This connection raises concerns about the broader implications of such criminal networks on regional security.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The successful bust of this inter-state gang underscores the Nagpur Police's commitment to tackling organized crime with international dimensions. By disrupting the supply chain of stolen smartphones destined for foreign markets, this operation not only addresses local theft issues but also strikes at the heart of a transnational criminal enterprise.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover the full extent of the gang's operations, identify additional accomplices, and trace the complete route used for trafficking stolen devices. This case highlights the evolving nature of crime in the digital age and the critical need for coordinated law enforcement efforts across jurisdictions.
