Study shows tracking devices frequently used in organized crime and by domestic violence perpetrators

In brief: Tracking devices such as Apple AirTags and Samsung Smart Tags have proven to be very popular – especially among organized crime groups and perpetrators of domestic violence. That’s according to a new Australian study that found the top 100 customers who purchased the most devices were two times more likely to be known to the police.

The New South Wales Crime Commission commenced Project Hakea to investigate the use of tracking and other surveillance devices as an enabler of serious and organized crime in the southeastern Australian state.

The study looked at 5,163 trackers, purchased by 3,147 customers in 4,176 transactions. Using an extensive data matching process, it was discovered that 37% of customers were known to NSW police for criminal behavior. Moreover, 25% of customers had a recorded history of domestic and family violence, 15% were known for involvement in serious and organized crime activity, and 6% had a different criminal background.

It was also found that 126 customers were Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) defendants at the time they purchased a tracking device. An AVO is a court order issued to protect an individual who has a reasonable fear of violence or harassment from a specified person. Some customers bought the trackers days after the AVO was enforced.

The findings state that tracking and other surveillance devices are increasingly used to facilitate organized crime, including murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

The investigation found that the devices feature in at least 20 completed or attempted acts of organized crime violence, including three murders, three planned or attempted murders, one drive-by shooting, three kidnappings, five planned or attempted kidnappings, one home invasion, and four planned or attempted violent drug thefts since 2016. Fifteen of these 20 events occurred since 2022, highlighting how their popularity in crimes has increased in recent times.

The study recommends a change in the law to restrict the sale of tracking devices.

In May, Apple and Google announced that their previously confirmed industry specification for Bluetooth tracking devices was being rolled out to iOS and Android platforms, which should help prevent stalking by alerting users of suspicious Bluetooth trackers.

We have heard positive stories of trackers being used to fight crime, rather than enable it. In June, a carpenter used some Apple AirTags to locate his stolen tools and ended up finding a stash worth millions of dollars. Apple’s trackers have also been used to track down a lost $8,000 bike and suspected narcotics equipment.