Meta Description: Charlotte businessman sentenced to nearly six years for selling stolen iPhones overseas in a multi-million dollar scheme. Ordered to pay $3.6M in restitution and forfeit $229K in cash.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte businessman was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar scheme involving the sale of stolen and fraudulently obtained iPhones and electronics to international buyers.
Rami Mahmod Mhana, 46, was handed his sentence after being convicted in May 2023 of conspiracy, international transportation of stolen goods, and money laundering. Mhana, a well-known figure in Charlotte’s business community, owned multiple enterprises, including Wireless City Fashions Inc., Protocol Business Group Inc., and several Boost mobile stores. His businesses served as the front for an illegal operation that spanned several years.
Between May 2017 and October 2019, Mhana bought thousands of brand-new Apple iPhones and other high-value electronics that had been stolen or fraudulently obtained. According to court documents, Mhana sourced these devices from local “boosters” – individuals who steal or fraudulently obtain products and then sell them for a profit. His store on Bradford Drive became a notorious hub where boosters could quickly turn stolen goods into cash, with no questions asked. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Mhana even provided his employees with a detailed pricelist, indicating how much they should pay for specific iPhone models and other electronics, often well below their market value.
Once acquired, these stolen goods were not kept locally. Mhana orchestrated the sale and shipment of the iPhones to international markets, particularly to buyers in the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, profiting handsomely from the illegal transactions. The scope of Mhana’s operation was vast, with the court ordering him to pay a staggering $3,649,033 in restitution to the victims of his fraudulent scheme. Additionally, he was ordered to forfeit $229,118 in cash and over 100 brand-new iPhones that were seized during the investigation.
This case is part of a larger effort by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service to dismantle organized crime rings in the region. Their collaborative efforts have led to multiple convictions, including two other Charlotte businessmen who were sentenced in August 2023 for running a similar scheme.
Mhana’s sentencing highlights the serious repercussions of engaging in large-scale criminal enterprises, particularly those that exploit stolen goods and involve complex international networks. His imprisonment marks the culmination of a rigorous investigation and serves as a powerful deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities. The case is a reminder of the importance of law enforcement partnerships in combatting organized crime and protecting the integrity of commerce both locally and internationally.
As Mhana prepares to serve his nearly six-year sentence, the Charlotte community and law enforcement agencies are sending a clear message: those who engage in criminal activities that threaten the economic and social fabric of the region will be held accountable.
