Mostovoy in TSUM sold unlocked iPhones as new ones

The State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan has uncovered a fraudulent scheme at the Mostovoy chain of stores operating in the Aichurek shopping center.

According to the security services, store employees opened new iPhones with 256 GB of memory and replaced the microchips using a makeshift method, increasing the memory capacity to 1 TB. The devices were then repackaged and sealed with fake factory stickers made at local printing houses to make them look like new and unopened phones.

The modified smartphones were sold at Mostovoy retail outlets and other departments of the Aichurek and GUM shopping centers at inflated prices.

The GKNB urges buyers who purchased iPhones from the Mostovoy chain to check their devices for compliance with factory specifications via the iUnlocker website.

“If any discrepancies are found, please call 0 (995) 300-871,” the agency said.