Meet the iPhone Mules -- and the Customs Officials Catching Them [VIDEO]

 By 
Alissa Skelton
 on 
Meet the iPhone Mules -- and the Customs Officials Catching Them [VIDEO]

[brightcove video="1490252115001" /]

Chinese smugglers are attempting to bring cheaper iPhones into the mainland -- and they're doing so in increasingly elaborate ways.

The Shenzhen Port in China finds iPhones in odd places when people walk through customs. In the video, you will notice one man who attempted to walk through customs with 30 iPhones strapped to his waist and ankles.

It's fairly common for smugglers to wedge iPhones in their shoes or to sew extra pockets onto their clothing to hold iPhones. But security is catching on to these tricks -- and is nabbing iPhone mules left and right.

Why are the Shenzhen iPhones shinier than the mainland ones? Well, iPhones are made in Shenzhen and retail for $125 less in Hong Kong than they do in mainland China.

The few who make it to the mainland with the iPhones still strapped to their bodies resell the phones to turn a profit.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!