Need Help with iCloud Locked iPhone 14 Seeking Guidance from the Apple Community

I recently purchased an iPhone 14 from a third-party seller (Facebook Marketplace) with high hopes of integrating into the Apple ecosystem. However, upon receiving the device, I discovered that it is iCloud locked, rendering it inaccessible and unusable. After receiving the device, I went to a phone repair shop for help with the iCloud lock issue. The technician there informed me that they could break the iCloud lock and unlock the device for a fee. However, upon further research, I discovered that such actions are actually illegal. Therefore, I decided not to proceed with that option and instead sought urgent assistance from Apple Support. I have sent a detailed email to Apple for help unlocking the device. However, I am not sure if I am doing something wrong, as I am fairly new to the Apple ecosystem. I am asking for their assistance to unlock it, but I don't know the legality of this request. I am hoping that if they can unlock it, they will fully erase any existing data, keeping the original owner's information confidential while allowing me to use the device. I live in the Caribbean, specifically in Grenada, and I'm not sure if there is any way to contact the original owner or if that person resides in my country as well. I would be happy to return the product if it turns out to be lost or stolen, as nobody would like to lose a phone, especially a fairly new model. Additionally, I don't want to contribute to E-Waste lol. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.

[Edited by Moderator]