The Apple Store in Beavercreek, Ohio
In this week’s Apple Crime Blotter: Shawn Kemp takes a plea deal in connection with an iPhone-related shooting, iCloud evidence plays a role in a cryptocurrency indictment, and a stolen iPhone makes its way to China.
Here’s the latest installment in our ongoing series examining Apple-related crime.
Chinese National Sentenced in Target iPad Scam
A 24-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced for participating in a scheme involving the “return” of 140 counterfeit iPads at Target stores in Washington State.
According to The Tri-City Herald, the scam earned him and his girlfriend $163,000 in fraudulent refunds, mostly via gift cards. These were sometimes used to purchase more iPads, which were then swapped with counterfeits, with some purchases occurring in California.
Reports indicate that he is likely to face deportation after serving his sentence, potentially to a country other than China.
Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty in Shooting over iPhone
Former NBA player Shawn Kemp has reached a plea agreement, pleading guilty to second-degree assault related to a shooting incident in Tacoma, WA, in March 2023. Kemp’s lawyer previously stated that he acted in self-defense against two men suspected of stealing his iPhone.
Sentencing is scheduled for August, with prosecutors recommending nine months of jail time followed by one year of supervision by the Department of Corrections, as reported by ESPN.com.
Twelve Charged in Crypto-Theft Indictment Involving iCloud Evidence
On May 15, the Justice Department charged twelve individuals with participating in a $263 million “cyber-enabled racketeering conspiracy” tied to cryptocurrency theft.
This superseding indictment builds on earlier charges. Prosecutors allege that the conspiracy involved various illicit activities including hacking, phishing, and home invasions.
In at least one reported case, an alleged conspirator accessed a victim’s iCloud account to track their location. Charges include RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
Stolen iPhone’s Journey from a Charlotte Honky Tonk to China
A woman in North Carolina had her iPhone stolen from The Rose Honky Tonk bar in Charlotte. Within days, the device was tracked to Shenzhen, China.
As per WRAL, the thief pickpocketed the phone, which was tracked first to Miami before ending up overseas. This theft is part of nearly 40 reports of thefts from a “cluster of bars” in Charlotte’s South End.
In mid-May, The Financial Times reported on a “stolen iPhone building” in Shenzhen, although it remains unclear if this was the final destination for the stolen device.
News Crew Confronts Man with Guns Near Pasadena Apple Store
A KTLA news crew was setting up for a live report outside the Pasadena Apple Store when they encountered an “agitated man” carrying several long cases. During a phone conversation about a custody dispute, the man opened the cases, revealing multiple long guns.
He then began offering passersby a chance to see his firearms. According to the news outlet, the crew promptly called the police, who arrived and took the man into custody after a brief struggle. It was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant.
Woman Sought for Using Stolen Credit Card at Ohio Apple Store
Police in Beavercreek, Ohio, are on the lookout for a woman who allegedly used a stolen credit card for a purchase at the local Apple Store in April.
The Beavercreek Police Department’s post
According to WHIO, authorities reported that the credit card used was indeed stolen.
Ohio Man Charged with Tracking Ex with AirTag
Police in Goshen, Ohio, have arrested a man for tracking his ex-girlfriend using an Apple AirTag.
WFMJ reports that the woman alerted police after receiving notifications indicating her location was being monitored. Upon confrontation, the man admitted to placing the AirTag, citing concerns that she was “seeing other people.”
She provided police with text message screenshots as evidence against him. A law passed in December specifically bans stalking via AirTags and similar devices in Ohio.
Woman’s iPhone Stolen While Performing CPR on Brother
In the U.K., a woman performing CPR on her brother following a motorbike accident had her iPhone stolen during the incident.
According to Birmingham Live, this incident took place in Coventry on May 16. The woman had handed her phone to a police officer, who set it on the roof of a car, where it disappeared.
Sadly, efforts to revive her brother were unsuccessful. A West Midlands Police spokesperson expressed a commitment to locating the phone and returning it to its rightful owner.