A smartphone showing the Apple App Store was photographed in New York on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Bloomberg
A 20-year-old woman died on a bus in Brazil on Tuesday. Local reports say she had 26 iPhones taped to her body. The phones were found during a medical emergency that ended in her death.
Emergency Response Failed
The woman fell ill while traveling. Emergency services arrived quickly and tried to save her. Paramedics worked for 45 minutes but could not revive her. She died before reaching the hospital.
During treatment, responders noticed strange packages under her clothes. On closer look, they found dozens of iPhones strapped tightly to her body. Some phones were refurbished. The packages may have restricted her breathing or blood flow, but officials have not confirmed the cause of death.
Police Begin Investigation
Authorities reached the scene shortly after her death. They searched her belongings and found bottles of alcohol in her luggage. Police are now looking into the case. They are trying to find out why the phones were hidden and if anyone else is involved.
Smuggling Suspected
Local media say this may be linked to phone smuggling. In Brazil, many phones are brought in illegally from nearby countries like Paraguay. This black market is large and growing.
Another news source recently reported that 196 smartphones were found in a hidden compartment of a truck. That truck was caught on the Friendship Bridge. This bridge connects Paraguay and Brazil and is known for smuggling.
Thousands of Phones Enter Illegally Daily
According to officials, about 10,000 phones enter Brazil illegally each day. These phones are often smuggled in small batches by individuals, who then pass them to sellers across the country.
From January to May this year, the number of seized smuggled phones rose by 25%. The rise has raised concerns for public safety and security.
Officials Warn of Smuggling Dangers
“Cellphone smugglers pass through in small quantities and distribute them to the rest of Brazil,” said Claudio Marques, a deputy from Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service.
The woman’s death highlights the risks people take while smuggling. Whether forced or chosen, carrying heavy electronics taped to the body can be dangerous.
Police are now working to trace the origin of the phones and find out if the woman was part of a larger smuggling ring.
