Nationwide crackdown nets 41, dismantles 'Apple ID loan' scams

A nationwide crackdown on illegal "Apple ID loan" scams has resulted in the arrest of 41 suspects and the dismantling of nine criminal gangs operating across 21 provinces, authorities announced on Monday.

The operation, initiated by police in Chongqing, targeted groups that preyed on Apple device users by offering quick loans in exchange for their Apple ID credentials. These IDs were then used to remotely lock users' devices and extort exorbitant interest payments.

The investigation began in May 2023 when a Chongqing man reported his phone locked after taking out a "loan" with a 7-day repayment period and a 640 yuan interest rate for a 1,140 yuan loan. After refusing to pay additional interest, his phone became inaccessible.

A police task force traced the activity to a group led by a man surnamed Huang, which had operated since August 2022. They lured victims through deceptive ads, remotely controlled devices, and threatened borrowers and their families with harassment.

Following Huang's arrest in May, authorities identified eight more gangs using similar tactics, bringing the total number of identified borrowers to over 20,000.

In September, the Ministry of Public Security launched a nationwide operation, leading to the arrest of 41 suspects and the seizure of over 130 million yuan ($20 million).