The final two defendants in a long-running counterfeit Apple product scheme have received federal prison sentences. The case headlines a series of recent crimes involving iPhones, MacBooks, AirTags and other Apple devices.
The nine-year operation involved counterfeit Apple products imported from China. Members of the group then returned the fake devices to Apple Stores across California, according to the report.
Final Defendants Sentenced
Wenhui Huang, described as the scheme’s ringleader, received a sentence of six years and six months in federal prison. Meanwhile, Yang Song, identified as second-in-command, received just under five years.
The financial penalties are also substantial. Authorities ordered Huang to pay $16.2 million in restitution and Song to pay $16.9 million. Both pleaded guilty in 2025 and were the last of six defendants to be sentenced.
Apple Products Feature in Other Theft Cases
Elsewhere, police arrested two suspects after a woman was robbed following an Apple Store visit in Houston. The 51-year-old victim had purchased a MacBook and other products before two suspects allegedly followed her. Police later recovered the stolen property.
In nearby Sugar Land, authorities arrested three suspects over the theft of nearly $14,000 worth of iPads from a Target store. One suspect was a minor. Police reportedly caught the group while they were leaving.
Apple Tracking Technology Helps Police
Apple devices also played a different role in several investigations. In Tacoma, an AirTag inside a stolen truck helped police locate the vehicle and 20 cats inside it. Officers arrested two people, while the cats went to a shelter.
Similarly, an AirTag helped authorities track a vehicle after an alleged Cleveland carjacking. In Georgia, AirPods left inside a stolen car provided another location signal. Nearby Tesla footage also helped police identify the suspect.
Together, the cases show how Apple products can appear on both sides of criminal investigations. High-value devices remain attractive targets for fraud and theft. However, location-tracking features can also provide investigators with valuable evidence.
