![20 Indicted In Alleged Smartphone Theft Ring](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/09/smartphone_istock_630x420-300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
20 Indicted In Alleged Smartphone Theft Ring
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have indicted 20 people in what they say is a takedown of a large smartphone theft ring.
The U.S. Attorney's office says the operation bought stolen cellphones and resold them throughout the U.S. and internationally.
The indictment accuses Jamal Talal Mustafa of leading the ring. It says he and other owners of cellphone stores bought phones they knew had been stolen or acquired through fraudulent signups with carriers.
Court documents say 11 suspects were "runners" who obtained phones from Arizona, Idaho, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Utah.
The 42-year-old Mustafa of Apple Valley was represented Tuesday by public defender Reggie Aligada. Aligada declined to comment because Mustafa is expected to have a different lawyer for future proceedings. No home listing for Mustafa could be found.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)