In a major breakthrough, Noida Police have dismantled a sophisticated interstate theft syndicate operating across multiple states. The operation led to the recovery of 821 stolen mobile phones valued at over ₹8 crore, marking one of the largest hauls of its kind in recent years.
Acting on a tip-off, a dedicated team from the Noida Sector 24 Police Station launched a week-long surveillance operation targeting the gang’s hideout in Sector 63. Early Wednesday morning, officers raided the location, apprehending five key members red-handed while they were repackaging the devices for black market sale.
The seized mobiles included premium brands like iPhones, Samsung Galaxys, and OnePlus models, stolen from cities including Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and even parts of Maharashtra. Preliminary investigations reveal the gang employed a network of over 50 petty thieves who targeted crowded markets, buses, and religious gatherings to snatch phones before funneling them to Noida for refurbishing and resale.
‘We’ve cracked open a major supply chain feeding the grey market,’ said Senior Superintendent of Police, Laxmi Singh, during a press briefing. ‘These phones were being sold at 40-50% discounts online and through local shops, undercutting legitimate retailers.’
Forensic teams are now matching IMEI numbers against national databases to reunite the devices with their rightful owners. Over 200 complaints have already been linked to the recovery, with police urging victims to come forward with FIR details.
The mastermind, identified as Raju alias ‘Mobile Raja’ from Bihar, has a history of similar offenses spanning a decade. His arrest, along with associates from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, is expected to disrupt theft rings operating in the National Capital Region for months.
Authorities have intensified patrols in high-risk areas and are collaborating with cyber cells to track online sales of stolen goods. This bust underscores the growing challenge of organized mobile theft and the police’s resolve to combat it head-on, restoring public confidence in urban safety.