Courier Boy Orchestrates Fake Robbery of iPhone 17s Worth Rs 20 Lakh in Delhi

Police said the complainant worked as a courier boy for a store in Shakarpur. (Representational)

New Delhi:

A courier delivery boy who reported being robbed of 25 mobile phones, including 14 iPhone 17s, at gunpoint in Shakarpur, east Delhi, was actually the mastermind behind a carefully orchestrated theft, police revealed on Thursday.

According to authorities, the alleged robbery was actually a sophisticated scheme to steal mobile phones valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh.

"Our investigation team successfully uncovered their plot and arrested four individuals, including the complainant himself, for fabricating the entire incident," stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania.

The DCP further added that all 25 premium mobile devices - comprising 14 iPhone 17s, 10 OnePlus phones, and one Vivo handset - have been recovered, along with two scooters utilized during the staged crime.

Police identified the complainant as Ashish Kumar (25), who was employed as a courier delivery person for a store located in Shakarpur.

On Tuesday, Ashish claimed that while traveling to Karol Bagh to deliver the phones, two unidentified individuals on a scooter stopped him near the Vikas Marg flyover, displayed a firearm, and seized his backpack containing the valuable consignment.

"The incident initially appeared serious, prompting immediate registration of an FIR at Shakarpur police station. However, as investigators analyzed the timeline, discrepancies began to surface. CCTV footage from multiple locations along the alleged route failed to corroborate the complainant's account. His movements and phone records also raised significant concerns," explained the DCP.

During interrogation, Ashish admitted to staging the robbery with three accomplices: Shamim, a local mobile phone dealer; Aman; and Tanveer. The DCP revealed that the group had planned to sell the phones and distribute the profits among themselves. Shamim (27), identified as the primary conspirator, organized the logistics and potential buyers. Aman (29) and Tanveer (32), both East Delhi residents, participated in acting out the fake robbery scenario with Ashish to make the story convincing.

Police successfully recovered all the stolen mobile devices from their possession before they could be sold, the officer stated, adding that investigators are now examining whether the group was involved in similar fraudulent activities in the past.