Worker Commits Suicide over Missing iPhone

(AP)  A worker at a factory that makes iPhones in China has killed himself after a prototype went missing.

There's tremendous pressure on employees dealing with Apple's new products to maintain secrecy over the gadgets.

The 25-year-old man worked in product communications at Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese firm that makes many Apple products.

Although Apple and Foxconn have confirmed the suicide, they haven't provided details about the circumstances.

A newspaper says the worker was responsible for sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, and on July 13 he reported that he was missing one of the 16 fourth-generation units in his possession. The paper quotes his friends as saying security guards searched his apartment, detained him and beat him, and that he later jumped from the 12th floor of his apartment building.

Apple says it's "saddened by the tragic loss" and that its suppliers are required to treat workers with dignity and respect.

[barbaram99]

tool hat off to ye. It is true we don't understand other nations and their honour system, America needs to step up to the plate and learn from others. I am sad that gent jumped to his death. They need to understand when he told the truth to back off. I don't understand the treatment of nation where the govt thinks for its people. I don't nelieve the man would tske the phone and get someone did. I like the fact there is a nation that bans stipping. It is plain nasty. Everywhere in America they spit. The beatting is uncalled for. I do like reading older peoples says as they have lived thru it. I am 54. America has her issues that need to be dealt with. It is worse to day. It is sad a person died over a phone. Hope they find the person who did lift it.

[mer16]

Jumped from a 12 story apt building? Right!...lol

[ToolMangler1]

the 'Loss of Face' was too much for him. In China and Japan "Honor" means something.

[rhs648]

Most Americans have a hard time understanding that honor codes are taken very seriously in many countries. My son worked at a theme park in Japa for three months. Employees would go into a large room where envelopnes with their names on them containing cash for two weeks of work were left unprotected. Apparently, Japanese honor codes kept people from stealing other people's money. In Singapore, people do not chew gum or spit on the street. Not only is it illegal, but their honor codes prevent them from doing these things. Japanese military offices would commit suicide if they lost a battle. Again, most Americans don't understand these things or think they are foolish.

[Kimbakat]

This is sick!!!..Why are secrets overseas???? and why are they beating their employees????

1984 is ******'' here..and who thought APPLE Was behind it!!!!!!

[freddyfrugag]

Yeaaahhhh... riiiight. Apple epitomizes the 1984 philosophy... and Microsoft doesn't, right? Notice how the Microsoft anti-trust suits were suddenly no longer pursued under the Unelected One.

[gnimelf1968]

Where do you come up with unelected one? The demoncrats are the ones that don't want people to have to show any kind of identification to vote. Republicans are all for it. Demoncrats are the inventors of election fraud.