Cellphone Theft Surges in Toronto, Fueling Organized Crime

Cellphone theft in Toronto is experiencing a dramatic increase, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and contributing to a lucrative black market that funds organized crime. Novel data reveals a surge in stolen devices, raising concerns about the broader implications for identity theft and financial fraud.

Rising Theft Numbers

Approximately 5,000 devices were reported stolen in Toronto in 2025, according to data obtained by CTV News through a Freedom of Information request. Over the past six years, a total of around 25,000 phones have been reported stolen in the city.

The numbers were significantly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, dropping to about 2,000 in both 2020 and 2021. But, thefts have been steadily climbing since then, reaching approximately 3,000 in 2022 and 4,000 in 2023.

The Financial Incentive

Cybersecurity expert Claudiu Popa emphasizes the significant financial gains associated with cellphone theft. “If you’re talking about tens of thousands of phones, that’s millions of dollars in potential revenues that help to fund not just one group but an entire ecosystem of people who apply their specialized skills to make money at this,” he stated.

Toronto police spokesperson Cindy Chung confirmed that cellphones are attractive to criminals due to their resale value on the black market and their potential for export to other countries. “This type of crime is too seen to give criminals a ‘high reward’ and provide low risk to them compared to other criminal offences such as drug trafficking,” she explained.

Modus Operandi and International Connections

Victims like Al Amin have experienced the swiftness with which stolen phones disappear. Amin’s phone was tracked to Etobicoke shortly after being stolen from a locker at the Milton Leisure Centre, but it quickly vanished. Some victims have even traced their stolen devices as far as Vietnam, indicating the involvement of international organized crime groups.

Thieves often utilize RFID-blocking pouches (Faraday bags) to prevent the phones from being tracked. Popa explains, “The first thing that people do when they steal a phone is they pop it into an RFID…aluminum-coated Faraday pouch so that it immediately disappears from the network. It can’t call home.”

Police Response and Prevention

Toronto police’s 14, 52, and 51 Divisions, located downtown, have reported the highest number of cellphone thefts. In addition to thefts from individuals, dozens of cellphone store robberies were reported last year.

Rebel Nightclub proactively addressed the issue by implementing security measures that led to the arrest of two individuals carrying multiple stolen phones. The nightclub’s security team successfully identified, tracked, and apprehended the thieves, returning the stolen devices to their owners.

Protecting Yourself

Toronto police recommend several preventative measures:

• Keep your phone out of sight in crowded areas.
• Use strong PINs and biometric locks.
• Record your phone’s IMEI number to enable blacklisting if stolen.

Recent Police Activity

As of February 25, 2026, Toronto Police have made an arrest in a firearm investigation on Black Creek Drive and Trethewey Drive, with an image released to the public.

Separately, seven Toronto police officers and one retired member are facing charges related to violent incidents involving tow trucks and operators across the Greater Toronto Area. These officers are accused of offenses including trafficking, leaking addresses to hitmen, and conspiracy to kill a unit commander.