Charlotte is a hub for legitimate business, but beneath the surface lurks a darker side. Two men, Hamzeh Jamal Alasfar and Tayseer Issam Alkhayyat, are now facing the consequences for a brazen scheme that flooded the global market with stolen iPhones. The pair were sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison this week for their role in a multi-year operation that raked in over $20 million.
Federal prosecutors detailed a scheme spanning from 2013 to 2020 where Alasfar and Alkhayyat knowingly purchased new iPhones obtained through fraudulent means – likely theft and scams – at rock-bottom prices. They weren’t after a good deal for customers; they were after profit. The pair then operated multiple businesses, including Cellport International Inc. and D Town Wireless, to launder the stolen goods and ship them to buyers both within the United States and overseas.
The scale of the operation is staggering. Between January 2019 and January 2020 alone, the feds say Alasfar and Alkhayyat moved over 20,000 iPhones, totaling more than $20 million in sales. These weren’t damaged or used devices; these were brand new iPhones, snatched from unsuspecting victims and funneled through a network designed to conceal their illicit origins. The operation wasn’t just about quick cash; it was a sophisticated attempt to profit from widespread fraud.
Both men pleaded guilty to interstate and foreign transportation of stolen property, a clear admission of guilt that ultimately led to their 46-month prison sentences. The judge also tacked on three years of court supervision following their release, meaning they’ll be closely monitored to ensure they don’t slip back into criminal activity. It’s a standard condition, but a crucial one in cases like these, where the temptation for repeat offenses is high.
This case didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and the United States Secret Service worked together to dismantle the operation, demonstrating the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling organized crime. The Secret Service, often associated with protecting dignitaries, also plays a vital role in investigating financial crimes and counterfeiting, which clearly intersected with this iPhone scheme.
While the sentencing offers a degree of closure, the investigation likely won’t stop here. The feds will be looking at who supplied Alasfar and Alkhayyat with the stolen iPhones, and who was buying them on the other end. This case serves as a warning: profiting from stolen goods carries severe consequences, and the feds are watching.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys handled the prosecution, leveraging resources from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to build a solid case against the pair. The details of the trial remain largely sealed, but the guilty pleas speak volumes about the evidence presented. This is a clear message that federal prosecutors are committed to cracking down on organized crime and protecting consumers from fraudulent schemes.
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Key Facts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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