WATCH: In Brazil, where a legal iPhone has the world's highest price tag, a smartphone black market has emerged to satisfy demand for the device.

As the head of customs enforcement for São Paulo, Brazil, Breno Andrade Soares Silva has seized illegal goods of every imaginable type: guns, drugs, cigarettes, clothes, electronics, boats—even airplanes. Usually the items are destroyed, auctioned, or donated to schools. But sometimes, when deemed appropriate, the seizures find their way back to the customs agents for official business.

One such seizure stays with Silva throughout the day: an Apple iPhone. It’s his official work phone. It came to Brazil illegally and ended up in Silva’s pocket after customs caught it being smuggled in.

“Sometimes we need a phone to work inside Receita [customs]. Or when we leave for an operation, then we pick up a phone that was confiscated,” says Silva. “I have

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet