Police said Monday that more than 1,000 counterfeit iPhones were seized and seven people arrested in a raid on a workshop operating in Huaqiangbei, Shenzhen in Southern China.
Twenty-eight individuals were taken into custody to be questioned for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake iPhones. The workshop operating under the name Chuanglida Communication Tech Co., was raided by police on Friday according to one report.
Apple Inc. officials expressed appreciation for the police officers’ “commendable” efforts. The company is reportedly deploying staff to Shenzhen in order to learn more about the case. Apple could possibly meet with members of the press on Thursday.
It was revealed in the raid that the counterfeiting outfit was operating a clear division of work including accessory purchases, assembly and sales. It was also reported that while police were inspecting the workshop, retailers could be seen lining up to collect their goods.
It's estimated that each counterfeit iPhone would sell for as little as 500 yuan (US$74) in Huaqiangbei, which is far cheaper than the 5,000 yuan it costs for a genuine Apple device. There are some 1.5 million gray market iPhones being used in China.
[via Shenzhen Daily]
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