The new geography of stolen goods
6 days ago
- #crime
- #global-trade
- #theft
- Britain has become a leading exporter of stolen goods, including cars, phones, and tractors, with destinations like west Africa, China, and eastern Europe.
- Criminal networks use encrypted communications and global supply chains to operate efficiently, making stolen goods hard to trace.
- Vehicle thefts in Britain have risen by 75% in the past decade, with sophisticated methods like fake number plates and GPS jammers.
- Stolen phones from London often end up in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei market, where they are resold or dismantled for parts.
- Weak export controls, low police deterrence, and high demand in emerging markets make Britain a hotspot for global theft operations.
- The shipping industry's focus on imports and lack of export checks facilitate the smuggling of stolen goods in containers.
- Criminal groups exploit gaps in international law enforcement, with countries like China and African nations showing little interest in curbing the trade.