Have you ever wondered what happens to the stolen mobilesEvery year, thousands of devices disappear in Spain and other countries, changing hands in a matter of hours through organised networks. Although these thefts generate frustration and financial loss for users, what happens to these phones afterwards remains a mystery to many. In this article, we reveal what happens to stolen mobiles and how they reach international markets, especially in Morocco.
This illicit activity not only affects the victims, but also reveals a complex trafficking system that connects several countries. From its robo From festivals and busy streets to being sold at Moroccan markets, stolen mobile phones travel international routes, turning them into a lucrative business for criminal networks.
The beginning: how mobile phones are stolen
The methods of stealing mobile phones in Spain are varied and ingenious. Some of the most common include false hug, the crutch technique, or simply taking advantage of the victim's carelessness in bars, terraces or public transport. According to data from the Mossos d'Esquadra, mobile phone theft is one of the most frequent crimes, with an average of 192 complaints per day In Catalonia, during mass events such as festivals or fairs, the figures increase considerably.
Thieves often operate in organized groups that disperse in crowded areas to maximize their reach. In cities like Barcelona, districts such as the Eixample are hot zones due to their tourist and commercial density. It is also common for thefts to occur in the metro or in other places where crowds make it difficult to notice the theft.
What happens after a robbery?
Once criminals get hold of a mobile phone, these devices are often wrapped in foil to avoid being located via GPS. The phones are then taken to "nurseries" or reception floors where they are manipulated to erase any trace of identification, such as the IMEIIn many cases, parts from other phones are used to repair them before they are sent abroad.
The most common destination for these devices is the north of Africa, Especially Morocco, where IMEI blocking is not effective. In just 24 to 48 hours, stolen phones can travel hundreds of kilometers and cross the Strait of Gibraltar hidden in trucks or vans. Some are even transported in vehicles loaded with personal belongings sent by citizens returning to their country of origin.
Morocco: the epicentre of the black market
Morocco has established itself as a priority destination for stolen mobile phones in Europe. In cities such as Sidi Slimane y Tangier, these devices are reconditioned and sold at local flea markets. In some cases, they are also dismantled to sell their components separately. This is especially common in the case of iPhones, whose security systems make it difficult to fully reuse.
Although prices in these markets are considerably lower than in Europe, buying one of these devices can bring legal issues when trying to activate them in Spain, where they could be identified as stolen. In addition, these flea markets are a reflection of a larger problem: the lack of international cooperation to stop this illicit activity.
The importance of IMEI and anti-theft applications
El IMEI, a unique 15-digit code, is a key tool for tracking and blocking stolen phones. However, its effectiveness depends on the country. In Spain and other members of the European Union, this system makes it possible to render a stolen phone unusable, but in countries such as Morocco, the block has no effect.
Additionally, there are applications such as Search my Iphone o Find my device (for Android) that allow you to locate a mobile phone remotely. These tools can be useful in the first hours after a theft, but once the device crosses the border, recovery becomes almost impossible. imposible.
Police operations and legal challenges
In recent years, security forces have stepped up their efforts to combat this problem. Operations such as the so-called "Tadeo" have dismantled networks dedicated to trafficking stolen mobile phones, recovering hundreds of devices and other valuables. However, legal limitations and the lack of low penalty the crime of receiving stolen goods complicates the situation.
On the other hand, many victims do not report the theft due to a lack of faith in the system, which makes police work even more difficult. In addition, obtaining court orders to search homes often slows down recovery processes.
Tips to avoid being a victim of theft
- Avoid carrying your cell phone in back pockets or easily accessible places.
- Use tracking apps and enable PIN or pattern locks.
- Report the theft immediately and provide the IMEI to the authorities.
The black market for stolen mobile phones is a problem that not only affects the victims, but also fuels an international system of illicit trafficking. From thefts at festivals to flea markets in Morocco, the route of these devices reveals the scale of the problem and the need for more decisive action at a global level.