Counterfeit-iPhone – Delhi Police Bust Rohini Shops Selling Fake Apple Parts
Counterfeit-iPhone – Delhi Police have arrested five shop owners in Rohini after uncovering a network accused of selling counterfeit iPhone spare parts and accessories while claiming they were genuine Apple products. Authorities said fake items valued at nearly Rs 1.6 crore were seized during the operation.
Tip-off Leads to Police Action
The case came to light after the Crime Branch received specific information about suspicious activity in several mobile repair and accessory shops in Rohini Sector-3. According to police officials, the shops were allegedly offering iPhone components and accessories to customers as original Apple products.
The tip-off indicated that stores operating near a hospital in Vikas Surya Shopping Mall and Mangalam Place were involved in the sale of these fake items. Acting on the information, a team from the Crime Branch began surveillance and prepared to conduct coordinated raids.
Apple Representative Joined the Raid
Before the search operation began, investigators contacted an authorised representative of Apple to assist in identifying genuine and counterfeit products. The representative joined the police team to verify the authenticity of the items that would be recovered during the raid.
Police then conducted simultaneous searches at five separate shops located within the shopping complexes mentioned in the tip-off. Officers said the inspections quickly revealed several products that appeared suspicious.
Fake iPhone Components Worth Crores Seized
During the operation, officers recovered a large quantity of iPhone spare parts and accessories that were allegedly being sold as original Apple products. According to police estimates, the seized items are worth around Rs 1.6 crore.
Among the items confiscated were replacement components and accessories typically used in mobile phone repairs and upgrades. Officials said many of the products carried markings or packaging that could mislead customers into believing they were genuine Apple parts.
All recovered materials were seized as evidence, and the shop premises were inspected thoroughly as part of the investigation.
Shop Owners Could Not Provide Authorisation
Police said the shop owners failed to produce purchase invoices or any form of authorisation from Apple Inc. that would allow them to sell original Apple products or components.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Kumar stated that the absence of proper documentation raised serious concerns about the source of the goods. The inability to verify the authenticity of the products strengthened suspicions that the shops were part of a larger counterfeit supply chain.
Authorities believe customers may have unknowingly purchased fake spare parts while paying prices comparable to genuine products.
Investigation Into Supply Chain Underway
Following the arrests, investigators are now examining how the counterfeit items reached the shops and whether additional individuals or suppliers were involved in the distribution network.
Police are also reviewing records and electronic devices seized from the premises to identify possible links to other markets or sellers dealing in similar counterfeit goods.
Officials said further action could follow if evidence reveals a broader network operating in other areas of the city.
Warning to Consumers and Retailers
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with counterfeit electronics and spare parts in the mobile repair market. Authorities have advised consumers to purchase accessories and replacement components only from authorised sellers or verified service centres.
Law enforcement agencies have also cautioned retailers that selling counterfeit products under the name of established technology brands can lead to serious legal consequences.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to track the origin and distribution channels of the seized counterfeit items.