Federal prosecutors have arrested three men for hijacking an Apple delivery truck and stealing high-value electronics in New York [1], [3].

The arrests follow a sophisticated investigation into a heist that targeted a high-density retail area, highlighting the risks associated with transporting luxury electronics.

The robbery occurred in January 2026 [4] outside the Americana shopping center in Manhasset, Long Island [2], [5]. According to prosecutors, the suspects were armed during the hijacking and used zip-ties to restrain Apple workers [2], [3].

The stolen cargo included iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches [1], [3]. Reports on the total value of the stolen goods vary, with some sources citing $1 million [1] and others estimating the loss at $1.2 million [2], [4].

Investigators linked the suspects to the crime after a stolen Apple Watch was activated, providing a digital trail that led to the arrests announced this week [1], [5]. The suspects allegedly intended to profit from the resale of the high-value devices on the secondary market [2], [3].

Federal authorities took over the case to coordinate the recovery of the electronics and the apprehension of the three individuals [1], [3]. The suspects now face charges related to the armed hijacking and the theft of the merchandise [4].

“The suspects were armed during the hijacking and used zip-ties to restrain Apple workers.”

This incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of high-value supply chains to organized crime. The use of digital activation markers to track stolen hardware demonstrates how integrated ecosystem security—such as Apple's device activation locks—is becoming a primary tool for law enforcement to solve physical thefts.