CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Authorities say a Charlotte business owner is facing federal charges for allegedly selling stolen iPhones and other electronic devices overseas.
A federal criminal indictment charges Rami Mhana, 45, of Charlotte with four counts of transportation of stolen goods, according to a news a release.
Authorities say Mhana was the owner of Wireless City Fashions, Inc. and Protocol Business Group Inc., located on Bradford Drive in Charlotte.
The indictment alleges that from at least May 2017 through October 2019, Mhana bought hundreds of fraudulently obtained iPhones and other electronic devices that he then sold and shipped overseas to the United Arab Emirates and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
The indictment also alleges that Mhana knew these devices were stolen and was willfully blind to the fact.
Authorities say Mhana got a hold of the stolen devices from multiple “boosters.”
A booster is a person who steals goods and products and sells them for profit, according to a news release.
The indictment further alleges that Wireless City and Protocol were known to boosters as places they could sell stolen devices for cash with no questions asked.
Authorities say Mhana allegedly provided his employees with a price list of how much they should pay for certain iPhones and other electronic devices, but generally paid more for new or unlocked devices.
Over the course of the scheme, authorities say Mhana sold thousands of dollars in stolen iPhones and devices to overseas buyers.
Mhana will be ordered to appear on a summons for his initial appearance, which will be scheduled in federal court in Charlotte.
If convicted, authorities say Mhana could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of transportation of stolen goods.
Mhana is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was a result of the investigative efforts of CMPD and the Secret Service.
