My iphone was stolen - Apple helping thieves?

Apple NEVER gets involved with lost or stolen devices. Any more than your car manufacturer would get involved with a stolen car.

The default for FIND MY when you set up a new phone is ON if you are logged in with your Apple ID. Just the act of logging in turns it on.

The only way anyone could have used the phone to make a phone call is if it was unlocked. If the phone had a physical SIM (Outside of the US only) the thief could remove the SIM and put it in another phone.

Did you fall for a common phishing scam: You may get a text or email from “Apple” or “Apple Security” (or sometimes “Police”) saying your phone has been found and to click on a link to see its location. This is NEVER from Apple or from law enforcement; it is from the thief or fence to steal your Apple ID and identity. Delete any such message without responding to it. Apple never gets involved in lost or stolen devices→Avoid phishing emails, fake ‘virus‘ alerts, phony support calls, and other scams

I don't know if Activation Lock would keep thieves from gutting an iPhone for parts, but it sure looks to me like it would make it a lot harder for them to fence a stolen iPhone as a working phone.

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Note the part about how to protect yourself if buying a second-hand iPhone:

"On a device with iOS or iPadOS 15 or later that is protected by Activation Lock, you see an "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen when you turn on or wake the device. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch if it's protected by Activation Lock."

But I believe you do need to mark the phone as lost (using Find My) to lock it in this way.

Apple doesn't get involved with the loss or theft of your personal property.

There is no way for Apple to mark your personal property as lost or stolen.

Here is Apple's guidance since you are clueless:

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

They can’t legally track customers from equipment they purchase from them even at request of said customer, they can’t know if you bought it and gifted it to somebody you wish to track. If it was a thing one would expect really expensive products like cars would be tacking big time.

silkman wrote:

Many telcos in Europe, including mine, mark IMEIs as stolen. Had the sim card replaced today and they will do this for said Apple IMEI as soon as I have the police report in my hands and provide them a copy. Whether something comes out of this is irrelevant.

Yes, telcos (all of them) can do that. It doesn't change the fact that Apple cannot.

Legally it makes sense really, if you buy iPhone and the sell it keeping box receipt and all and then report it stolen later on if apple were to interfere with such situations they would be active parties in theft and scam lawsuits, pretty sure much more expensive product manufacturers like car and boat makers handles it the same way.

I’m so sorry about your phone