Wed Sep 18 14:37:57 UTC 2024: ## Dublin Businessman Appeals Bail Refusal in €9.7 Million iPhone Fraud Case

**Dublin, Ireland** – A Dublin-based Chinese businessman, Chengwen Guo, 41, is set to appeal his refusal of bail in connection with an alleged €9.7 million iPhone fraud. Guo, who was arrested at his home on September 11 following a three-year investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), faces three money laundering charges.

Guo, who allegedly ran a chain of phone shops under the name Murray Mobile, is accused of possessing €170,460 in criminal proceeds, found during searches at his home, a Murray Mobile store in Dundrum, and his car. The charges stem from a complex operation involving counterfeit iPhones allegedly being sent from China to Ireland and swapped for genuine iPhones, which were then shipped back to China.

The GNBCI investigation, which began in December 2021, uncovered evidence suggesting that Guo played a key role in the fraud, which involved the use of “zombie phones” – counterfeit phones with genuine IMEI numbers used to defraud Apple.

According to Garda evidence, over 10,000 counterfeit phones were submitted for repair between 2019 and 2021, with an estimated €9.7 million in profit generated from the scheme.

Guo’s solicitor, Conor Ruane, argued that his client should be granted bail, stating that he is presumed innocent and that the delay in bringing further charges would unfairly prolong his time in custody.

Judge Alan Mitchell acknowledged the arguments but noted that it was still early in the case and that further investigations were ongoing. He remanded Guo in custody until October 2, allowing him to appeal the bail refusal in the High Court.

The investigation into the international iPhone fraud continues.

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