iPad Found Underwater for 5 Years Helps Catch Three Suspects: A Thrilling New Report

The lengthy investigation spanning over six years saw police efforts consistently thwarted in their attempt to solve a complex case. However, a recent breakthrough has emerged with the recovery of an iPad from the River Thames, five years after it was discarded. This discovery has been instrumental in the arrest of three individuals implicated in various criminal activities, including an attempted murder. This article delves into the intriguing circumstances surrounding how a seemingly useless device became a key piece of evidence in this case.

The Connection to One of the Largest Armed Robberies in History

To grasp the significance of the recovered iPad, we must take a step back to 2006, when Paul Allen was convicted for his role in one of the largest armed robberies known to date. Alongside seven accomplices, Allen participated in the theft of approximately $68 million from a security depot serving the Bank of England, a facility designated for storing older currency slated for destruction.

Although they could have stolen even more, a lack of larger transportation restricted their haul. Fortunately for law enforcement, Allen was apprehended and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was released early, in 2016, after serving less than half of that term. According to reports from 9to5Mac, Allen’s troubles escalated in 2019 when he survived a shooting incident at his residence, resulting in paralysis from the chest down.

Meanwhile, law enforcement’s investigation transitioned to a seemingly unrelated series of crimes involving another trio of criminals known for their forays into museum heists. Their activities ended when they attempted to auction off stolen antiques, including three valuable 14th Century Ming Dynasty pieces: a pomegranate vase, a doucai-style wine cup, and a porcelain bowl. These items boasted a combined insurance valuation of around £2.8 million, equivalent to approximately $3.64 million.

Once the auction house recognized that the antiques were stolen, they notified the authorities, who launched a manhunt for the suspects. DNA evidence eventually linked these individuals to the shooting involving Allen, and statements from one suspect led investigators to a getaway car that had briefly stopped near the River Thames. During the search in that vicinity, police uncovered the submerged iPad.

Upon examination, forensic teams cleaned the device, discovering a SIM card tray that contained a Vodafone SIM card. Analysis of the card’s call history provided crucial evidence implicating three men: Louis Ahearne, Stewart Ahearne, and Daniel Kelly. This SIM was further connected to a GPS tracker used to monitor Allen’s vehicle. Just a month prior, this trio had also been involved in a museum heist, showing a clear pattern of criminal activity.

It is evident that without the pivotal iPad, authorities might have still been chasing leads with little to no outcome, potentially leading to the case being abandoned. Instead, we are presented with a gripping narrative of crime and justice. For further details, you can explore additional insights on the BBC.

Source: Wccftech