Elderly Woman Tries to Smuggle 44 iPhones Into Israel

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Posted January 25, 2011 at 10:45am by Shalom Levytam

An elderly woman was caught trying to smuggle 44 iPhones through Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport, according to Haaretz. The woman was in her sixties and returning from a trip London.

Last week's would-be smartphone smuggler was reportedly dressed in a traditional Georgian outfit and walking with difficulty, which drew the attention of customs officials. When they approached the Israeli woman, she claimed she was not feeling well.

They agreed to accompany her, but told her she must first pass through the full-body scanner. The officials were amazed to find that, under all the wrappings of the traditional dress, the woman had hidden no fewer than 44 iPhones in her stockings. She was later released and a decision will be made this week on whether to indict her or to send her before the committee that determines fines.

44 iPhones from the UK would have a value of between $35,400 and $42,500 US depending on the model.

Read More [via Engadget]

Elderly Woman Tries to Smuggle 44 iPhones Into Israel

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no name - January 26, 2011 at 10:08am

She bought the phones from me. She´s a good person. Too bad!

MG - January 25, 2011 at 6:13pm

I assume it was only illegal because she didn't claim them and pay the applicable taxes. In all of the countries I have been to you have to claim money or goods over $5000 or $10000. I have heard that it is illegal for people in the US to sell or send certain types of technology to certain countries but I don't think that applies in this case.

Mandawebo - January 25, 2011 at 3:55pm

Ask your Mother who is your dad.

Tara - January 25, 2011 at 3:51pm

I guess she was greedy to make money or somebody in her family used her to make money. This is a shame. The judge must fine her and make a news that this behariour is not acceptable. Judge should indict others if they were involved.

t11chb - January 25, 2011 at 1:52pm

She's obviously never heard of voIP..LOL

NeHoMaR - January 25, 2011 at 12:01pm

Why that woman did that? cannot just buy that iPhones normally to sell in that country? or that iPhones was stolen?

wezz69 - January 25, 2011 at 11:04am

What? i cant believe they could have been boxed lol!! if they were not boxed then where were the chargers and the sim removal tool lmao!