£8 Million Samsung Foldable Heist Near Heathrow: 5,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 Units Stolen

A brazen overnight heist near London’s Heathrow Airport has resulted in the theft of over 5,000 newly launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 devices, valued at approximately £8 million (Rs 84 crore). The sophisticated operation targeting Samsung’s flagship foldables occurred just weeks after their global debut, raising alarms about organized crime targeting high-value tech shipments.

The Heathrow Heist: How Thieves Stole £8 Million in Samsung Foldables

According to Metropolitan Police reports dated August 4, 2025, thieves intercepted a Samsung logistics truck en route to distribution centers at approximately 2:30 AM near Perimeter Road—a cargo access zone bordering Heathrow’s northern runway. Security footage analyzed by investigators shows three unmarked vans boxing in the vehicle before masked individuals disabled GPS trackers and drove off with the shipment.

The stolen inventory included:

• 3,200 Galaxy Z Fold 7 units (estimated £1,800 retail each)
• 1,800 Galaxy Z Flip 7 units (estimated £1,000 retail each)
• Accessories including Bespoke Edition cases and chargers

Detective Chief Inspector Elena Vance confirmed to TechCrunch that the thieves exploited a 23-minute gap in security patrols. “This was a highly coordinated operation with inside knowledge of shipment schedules,” she stated. The UK’s National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NVCIS) has issued alerts to ports and European law enforcement agencies, warning the devices may be smuggled overseas or sold on black markets.

Implications for Samsung and Consumers

The theft deals a significant blow to Samsung’s UK supply chain during peak demand. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted, “Foldable shortages were already at 15% pre-heist. This could delay deliveries by 4-6 weeks.” Samsung UK issued a statement confirming serial number tracking activation and advising customers to:

1. Purchase only from authorized retailers
2. Verify device IMEI via Samsung’s official portal
3. Report suspicious marketplace listings

Authorities warn that stolen units may surface on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay at “too-good-to-be-true” prices. Devices purchased illegally will be remotely bricked once reported, rendering them unusable.

Global Pattern of Tech Cargo Thefts

This incident follows a concerning trend:

• 2023: £5.2 million Apple iPhone theft at Milan’s Malpensa Airport
• 2024: $1.8 million NVIDIA GPU heist in California
• July 2025: 1,200 Xiaomi 14 Ultras stolen in Delhi

The UK’s Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) recorded a 37% YoY increase in high-value tech cargo crimes in 2024. Security firms now recommend biometric containers and AI-driven route randomisation for premium electronics transport.

Consumers expecting Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Flip 7 deliveries should verify retailer authenticity and immediately check IMEI numbers upon receipt. Report any irregularities to Samsung Support and local authorities—your vigilance could help recover these cutting-edge devices and dismantle criminal networks exploiting tech enthusiasm.

Must Know

Q: How can I check if my Samsung phone was stolen?
A: Use Samsung’s official IMEI checker portal or dial *#06# to get your IMEI. Cross-reference with Metropolitan Police’s stolen device database (updated hourly). Avoid phones without original packaging or receipts.

Q: Will stolen Galaxy Z Fold 7 phones still work?
A: Samsung can remotely disable stolen units via Knox security. However, thieves may attempt to jailbreak or part-out devices. Disabled phones show “Blocked by Samsung” warnings on startup.

Q: What should I do if I unknowingly bought a stolen Fold 7?
A: Contact Samsung Support or local police immediately. UK law protects buyers acting in good faith, but devices will be deactivated and reclaimed as evidence.

Q: How does this heist affect Samsung’s UK launch timeline?
A: Samsung confirms replacement shipments are en route, but new orders face 3-4 week delays. Premium Care+ subscribers receive priority allocation.