Apple sues GEEP Canada for allegedly reselling 100,000 iPhones, iPads, Watches meant for recycling

Source: Apple

Apple has filed a lawsuit against its former contractor GEEP Canada, alleging that the company is reselling over 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Watches that were supposed to be dismantled and recycled. Apple discovered the issue after it audited over half a million devices sent to the recycling partner between 2015 and 2017. It found that 18% of the iPhones, iPads, and Watches were still accessing the internet through cellular networks. That totals 103,845 devices. It doesn't take into account the Wi-Fi only devices, meaning the figure can be higher.

 "At least 11,766 pounds of Apple devices left GEEP's premises without being destroyed - a fact that GEEP itself confirmed," reads a portion of Apple's complaint. The company seeks to obtain at least $31 million from GEEP, which is now part of Quantum Lifecycle Partners.

GEEP hasn't denied the theft. It has reportedly filed a third-party lawsuit claiming three employees stole the devices for their benefit and not for the company. Apple countered, claiming the employees are part of the senior management at the recycling firm.

Apple does sell refurbished devices, but it won't sell or allow the sale of any of its products that don't meet safety or quality standards.

"Products sent for recycling are no longer adequate to sell to consumers... and could cause serious safety issues," the company told The Verge.

Apple filed the lawsuit against GEEP in January 2020 but discovered the thefts between 2017 and 2018. It hasn't worked with GEEP Canada since.

Source: Engadget