hmm was it originally stolen, binned, or just plain sold to the ebay seller though

"The Council said that it reported the matter to the police, who have now arrested someone in relation to the sale of the machine.

"

the council reported what exactly though?, the implication being suposed is the original kiit was stolen, but was it?

or was it Originally sold by someone in the council as an old drive that ended up in the laptop or even sold as a fully working old kit, many people buy and recycle old parts to make oleder but functioning compleate kit to later sell on, is this case one of those times.