Originally Posted by
Fendant
Confirm the old rule: Don't check bags at / to / through FCO !

Their thiefs btw have all the "safe" TSA lock keys

Precisely why I always steer clear of TSA locks on any luggage I purchase.
Was the bag with the 4 iPhones locked/secured in any way? I know the OP did some quick repacking before last seeing the bag, but in cases where you don't want the bag opened by thieving fingers it might be good to do that entire cello-wrap thing to it.