Stolen Mobiles: Where Do They Go and How Can They Be Recovered?

Stolen Mobiles: Where Do They Go and How Can They Be Recovered?

Mobile phone snatching has become a common issue in Karachi, with a significant impact on users’ data and expensive devices. Muhammad Minhaj Gulfam, President of Karachi Mobile and Electronics Dealers Association, explained that when a mobile is sold in the market, the seller is required to provide an ID verification and confirmation from CPLC (Citizen Police Liaison Committee). This process has helped recover many stolen mobile phones.According to Gulfam, millions of rupees worth of mobile phones have already been returned to the CPLC, and recently, about 400 phones were recovered, with a total value exceeding 15 million PKR.Regarding the destination of stolen mobiles, Gulfam said that tracking revealed some phones were even reaching Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Additionally, in less developed areas, stolen phones are often dismantled and sold for parts—iPhone components being particularly in demand.Instructions for Citizens:Immediately report the stolen mobile to CPLC by calling 110.Filing a report ensures your device is recorded in CPLC’s system, increasing the chances of recovery if the phone appears in the market.If a complaint is not filed, the likelihood of retrieving the stolen phone is very low.Experts note that mandatory ID checks during sales, combined with coordinated CPLC efforts, have played a key role in recovering stolen mobiles, but active cooperation from the public is equally essential.