Brazen truck hijacking near London airport nets thieves thousands of Samsung’s latest foldables in one of UK’s largest electronics thefts
Samsung has fallen victim to a massive heist near London’s Heathrow Airport, with thieves making off with approximately 12,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 smartphones worth an estimated $10.6 million (£7.9 million). The audacious theft represents one of the UK’s largest electronics crimes in recent years.
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Heist Details & Stolen Inventory
| Category | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Value | $10.6 million (£7.9 million) | Massive financial loss |
| Units Stolen | ~12,000 foldable phones | Supply shortage expected |
| Location | Near Heathrow Airport | Strategic logistics target |
| Additional Items | Galaxy S25, Galaxy Watch 8 | Complete shipment hijacked |
| UK Pricing | Z Flip 7: £1,049, Z Fold 7: £1,799 | Premium device targeting |
Sophisticated Airport Operation
According to reliable tipster @UniverseIce, the heist occurred late last week when thieves intercepted a truck transporting Samsung’s latest devices from Heathrow Airport to a warehouse. The timing suggests this was a carefully planned operation targeting high-value cargo during the vulnerable transportation phase.
The stolen shipment also reportedly included other newly launched products such as Galaxy S25 series smartphones and Galaxy Watch 8 devices, making this a comprehensive theft of Samsung’s premium product lineup.
Grey Market Warning & Consumer Advisory
Samsung has yet to release an official statement, but the company is expected to work closely with logistics partners and law enforcement. The stolen devices will likely be blacklisted, rendering them ineligible for official support or warranty coverage.
Consumer Protection Tips:
- Verify IMEI numbers before purchasing from unofficial sources
- Buy only from authorized retailers to avoid blocked devices
- Report suspicious pricing on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay
- Check serial numbers immediately upon delivery
Supply Chain Impact
This theft occurs just weeks after Samsung’s foldables broke pre-order records, creating potential delivery delays for legitimate customers. Industry analysts predict possible 3-4 week delays for new orders as Samsung arranges replacement shipments.
The incident highlights growing security challenges facing premium electronics logistics, with organized crime increasingly targeting high-value tech cargo during transportation.
For complete tech crime coverage and device security updates, visit Technosports.co.in and explore our smartphone safety guide.
Sources: Gizmochina | SamMobile | NotebookCheck
