The curious case of the $2.3m in missing DS Lites

We're not sure what you'd do with as many as 18,000 Nintendo DS  units that you swiped alongside a stockpile of games in a container in Hong Kong, but it looks like nearly any number of black DS Lites and games were stolen in a $2.3 million dollar heist en route to Europe for launch later this month. A reward of $1 million HKD (about $129,000 US) was posted by Hong Kong police, but something tells us that the perps and their associates behind this -- easily one of the largest gadget hustles we've yet heard of -- won't be quick to give up some names. Then again, we imagine that tasty reward might be a bit tempting, so be a little cautious when bidding for your next DS on eBay; you know, make sure the quantity isn't listed in the thousands, ok?

[Via Joystiq]

[Wow360rocks! @ Jun 15th 2006 6:32AM]

Hopefully not UK bound ones PLEASE!!!!!

[Tim @ Jun 15th 2006 6:54AM]

Sounds like the mob. I doubt we'll see these on eBay.

[niv @ Jun 15th 2006 6:55AM]

owned

[DinnyHoon @ Jun 15th 2006 7:11AM]

Damn, and I was actually going to buy a DS...

[jakaraka @ Jun 15th 2006 7:33AM]

Nooooooo!!! I pre-ordered my black nintendo ds lite yesterday. I'm praying that shipment wasn't bound for amazon.co.uk

[king-DOM @ Jun 15th 2006 7:59AM]

Rumour has it that a team of old age pensioners were in on the heist. Their goal is get one for everyone in a nursing home, that way their grandchildren will come and visit them, maybe spend some quality time together playing brainage.

[Moto Oda @ Jun 15th 2006 9:28AM]

They should talk to T. Soprano about this.

[Rob @ Jun 15th 2006 9:43AM]

Better not be UK supplies, I've been holding off buying an Import because the UK release was so soon. I may place a pre-order in case stores are affected.

[DG @ Jun 15th 2006 10:33AM]

If I'm reading that right, that's as many as 17,500 units (17,500 x $130 = 2.27M). Wow.

[Mark @ Jun 15th 2006 10:38AM]

Deitrich did it

[John Doe @ Jun 15th 2006 11:14AM]

Can I have one?
Please?

[Pencil Shavings @ Jun 15th 2006 11:23AM]

Well, some PSP shipments at several Hudson Valley, NY EBGames shop were lifted from FedEx distribution centers OR lifted by the FedEx drivers. Also UPS is notorious for delivering "lighter boxes" at delivery times. This DS story should shock nobody.

[stev @ Jun 15th 2006 11:24AM]

well maybe theyll be on sale for real cheap on ebay
one can only hope to get a new $20 ds lite

[Kip HT @ Jun 15th 2006 11:28AM]

I will look for a stolen one in 10 days, when I go back to HK. I'll post if I see.

[bigshynepo @ Jun 15th 2006 12:51PM]

There is a big difference between UPS delivering a "lighter box" (which I admit, happens so much that company should be out of business) and stealing 18,000 DS lites! That is like running a Gaming Blackmarket Cartel.
They probably masterminded the heist through millions of hours of Brain age.

[Pencil Shavings @ Jun 15th 2006 1:25PM]

Not just one box, this was all over. Granted the 18,000 units at once is huge, theft of electronics shipments is rampant.

[threefingeredlord @ Jun 15th 2006 2:08PM]

I hope to god those were not supposed to be going tot the UK. If they were im going to kick some ass......

[Nigel @ Jun 15th 2006 3:58PM]

It's OBVIOUSLY NOT going to be on eBay...that's basically a red flag for the cops.

And since it's Hong Kong, they'll most likely be expected to pop up in the black markets.

Gotta love Chinese black markets! =D

[gimmeadollr @ Jun 15th 2006 6:16PM]

does the country u get ur ds matter what games it can play? (ex.= does an american game work in a japanese ds?)
if it does, i gotta call my dad to find me one of these in the black market :)

[Chris Robinson @ Jun 15th 2006 9:09PM]

The black market is living up to its word.

[Guy @ Jun 15th 2006 10:05PM]

Who said Triads dont have taste

[dragonhead08 @ Jun 16th 2006 12:18AM]

all your DS's belong to us

[jfb3 @ Jun 16th 2006 5:24PM]

They will end up in the "knock-off mall" in Shenzhen. You'll be able to get one by walking around on the 2nd or 3rd floors and some teenager will walk up to you and say "DS? DS?"

Just like everything else.

[mark @ Aug 4th 2006 4:52PM]

i think the theft is wrong but well done to the theifs it must of been hard its still wrong tho and what they going to do with the ds lites theirs gona be under cover cops in these black markets isnt their???