To clear some stuff up here.
Apple will not take the hit if they followed proper protocol, and can provide evidence that they complied with all of Visa's requirements. As an example, if a signature transaction took place in store, if Apple can provide the signed receipt, they won't take the hit.
Apple *can* mark laptops, iPhones, etc, as stolen. All this means, however, is that they will be denied service at Apple stores/via AppleCare, and in the case of iPhones, the IMEI will be blacklisted in the country of purchase, if that country operates such a blacklist. Apple doesn't have any way to blacklist devices from working, though.
Beyond that, Visa will simply hand the details over to the police, and it's down to them from there. Visa isn't going to spend time (read: money) chasing a criminal - if you have stuff stolen from your house you don't go after the thief yourself - you let the police do it. They do the same. They'll do a quick investigation to make sure it was actually fraud, and not you conning them, but beyond that, they won't care.