Apple Crime Log: The FBI’s iPhone Problem, a 150-Device Bust, and Florida Man
Michael Förtsch
Toggle Dark Mode
What time is it kids? That’s right! It’s time for another peek into the criminal mind, as we peruse the Apple Crime Log, where we cover Apple-related crimes. In this edition, the Feds confiscate a journalist’s Apple devices, a stolen iPhone leads police to a crook’s cache of stolen goods, and a drug dealer gets his iPhone stolen while peddling his wares.
FBI Seized Journalist’s iPhone, MacBook Pros
Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson had several electronic devices, including an iPhone and a pair of MacBook Pro laptops, seized from her home by the FBI in early January. The Bureau must now hold off examining the devices until a federal judge can review the case.
“The government must preserve but must not review any of the materials that law enforcement seized pursuant to search warrants the Court issued,” US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter wrote in a two-page ruling filed in federal district court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
NBC News reports Natanson had been investigating a government contractor accused of retaining classified materials. The seizure of her devices is somewhat unusual, as the government rarely takes such a step in cases like this.
Politico reporter Kyle Cheney recently posted court documents showing the Feebs seized an iPhone, a pair of MacBook Pro computers, charging accessories, a Garmin smartwatch, a portable hard drive, and other items. However, as we shared yesterday, FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) reported the iPhone was in Lockdown Mode, which has made it extremely challenging — if not impossible — for investigators to extract information from the device.
Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, told NBC News that this marks the first time in history that the government has searched a reporter’s home during a national security media leak investigation.
Judge Porter is scheduled to hear oral arguments in this case later today regarding a petition for the return of Natanson’s devices.
Stolen iPhone leads Philippine Cops to Stash of Devices
A stolen iPhone led cops in the Philippines to a Cebu City stash of 154 smartphones, consisting mostly of iPhones, according to a report from SunStar, leading to the arrests of two suspects.
Police said several victims tracked their stolen iPhones using Apple’s Find My app. Many of the recovered devices were lifted during the recent Sinulog Grand Parade. The user’s tracking results led authorities to a commercial building located behind what appeared to be a “legitimate cellphone repair shop.” Police raided the location and discovered “rooms allegedly used to buy, reprogram and resell stolen iPhones,” in an operation the police suspect may have been running for months.
Police said the operators of the theft ring had enough “technical expertise” to “bypass Apple’s security systems.” While they didn’t go into details on what techniques or protections were involved — it might simply be phishing owners for passcodes — they did say this was rare among local technicians.
iPhone, Marijuana Stolen During Drug Deal
You’d think if you had your iPhone stolen during a drug deal gone bad, you’d be reluctant to call the cops to report the crime. Enter: FLORIDA MAN!
Action News Jax reports that a Florida man told Columbia County deputies that his girlfriend’s iPhone and some marijuana were stolen from them at gunpoint while he was trying to make a drug deal.
Columbia County Sheriff Deputies said they responded to an armed robbery call at approximately 2:50 a.m. Thursday, January 8 at a home on SW Elizabeth Court. The victim told investigators he and his girlfriend were waiting in the driveway to sell marijuana to someone named “Trey.”
When Trey showed up he exited his vehicle, pointing a gun at the couple. Two people wearing masks then exited the car and searched the victims. After stealing the iPhone and weed, the bad actors punched the girlfriend in the face before they drove off.
Investigators were able to identify two suspects, Trey Jacobs, 21, and girlfriend, Bridget Butcher, 23. They both were arrested Saturday, January 10. Jacobs was charged with armed robbery, while Butcher was charged with obstructing law enforcement and with accessory to armed robbery. A third suspect, a juvenile, was charged with robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Police say the stolen iPhone was recovered, and two firearms were also seized, along with multiple magazines and more than 120 rounds of ammunition.
Two Women Arrested for $15,000 New Jersey Apple Store Theft
A pair of women have been arrested for stealing iPhones worth a total of $15,000 from a Wayne, NJ Apple Store, located at Willowbrook Mall, on two separate occasions in January.
According to Daily Voice, Angelina Miclescu, 18, and Irina Bacelan, 23, both of Harrington Park have been arrested and charged with second-degree shoplifting as part of an organized retail theft crew. The two women are also suspected of multiple other thefts throughout New Jersey.
Two male accomplices remain at large, the report said. Anyone who can identify them is urged to contact the Wayne Police Detective Bureau at 973-633-3530.
