Stolen mobiles end up in Ghana

MOBILE PHONES nicked in the UK are usually ending up in the Western African country of Ghana, say police.

According to the BBC, Ghana has been experiencing a surge in mobile phone use, and apparently it is on the back of hot phones shipped from the UK.

The Beeb quotes Superintendent Eddie Thompson, of the world's only dedicated mobile phone crime unit, based in London, as saying most phones nicked in the UK end up on a slow boat to Ghana. He said they often get switched on briefly at some point and can be tracked.

Ironically, once the phones are sold in that country, they are usually re-stolen. Ghana is also experiencing a wave of mobile phone muggings and thefts. Gangs of young kids on small motorbikes, snatch them from pedestrians or car drivers.

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