Apple devices are very lucrative due to their ability to hold value and demand over time. However, fake Apple products and accessories have always been a concern to tackle by the proper authorities. Recently, counterfeit iPhones, AirPods, and cases were seized in a police raid in Northern Ireland among 20,000 devices worth upward of $750,000. This is not the first time we have heard details on counterfeit Apple products, as we have reported many times in the past how the culprits have managed to smuggle products across borders.
Counterfeit Apple products seized in Northern Ireland in two raids involving products worth $750,000
A week ago, we reported that Chinese customs intercepted a GPU smuggling attempt, where the authorities secured 44 “refurbished” GPUs. In today’s story, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, or PSNI, captured 20,000 counterfeit devices, and the list includes a boatload of iPhones, AirPods, and iPhone cases, among other electronic products worth $750,000. The police service conducted two raids in Belfast and Portadown, which is roughly 30 miles away from the prior location.
The news was shared by BBC, highlighting the raid conducted in Northern Ireland to seize counterfeit iPhones and other Apple products. However, PSNI Detective Sergeant Mason did not disclose the amount of fake iPhones or Apple products involved in the raid. This would have allowed us to determine the value of the products, but based on the photographs shared by the police, it appears that most of the devices are counterfeit iPhones and other Apple products. Detective Sergeant Mason states:
“Collectively the products represent an estimated brand loss of 600,000 to Apple and other high street brands.”
Based on the value mentioned by the officer, it appears that more than 75 percent of the devices involved in the raid were Apple products, but we are not familiar with the exact number of products that were fake. As mentioned, this is not the first time we have heard details on counterfeit Apple products, as criminals have always found a way to sell fake products in a foreign land at full price. The officer added that “consumers may unwittingly buy counterfeit goods, while others – pleased to have snatched an affordable replica – will be unaware of the hidden implications.”
It is worth noting that the raid also included the seizing of additional products, such as mobile phones, chargers, smartwatches, and much more, alongside cash, according to the police. The police also arrested a 24-year-old man in a Portadown raid “on suspicion of immigration offenses.” We will share more details on the subject as soon as further information is available on the subject. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
