“CELULAR SEGURO” APP TO JOIN FORCES WITH INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS

Expansion of the Program

The objective is to expand the scope of the Program, which already provides for the blocking of several applications, in addition to the chip and the cell phone itself. Now, the intention is to incorporate the investigation strategies implemented by the government of Piauí, which led to a 44% decrease in the number of cell phones stolen in the state during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year. The Piauí project would come in as a complement, focused on tracking and recovering the devices by their owners.

Understand the Methodology of Piauí

The first step to implement the new strategy in Piauí was to create a database with the IMEI of cell phones, and the registration number of mobile devices, which functions as a CPF for the device. It must be provided by victims in police reports filed after the theft.

A court order required telephone operators to provide the location of the devices to the Civil Police. With this, investigators were able to centralize all data on stolen cell phones and their locations in an application.

A program called Cell Guard was then developed, which cross-references this information and allows the search and tracking of cell phones. Subsequently, those carrying the devices were notified through an automatic notification on the phone and requested to go to the authorities to return the device.

Seizure of Devices

Anyone who returns the device is not held responsible for the theft or robbery that was reported. If the cell phone is not returned, the police continue to track the device and can seize it personally.

Another system developed for the investigation scheme, Lupa Bot, is used throughout the state and it allows police officers to check whether the devices have restrictions on theft or robbery based on a photo of the cell phone’s IMEI.

Last Step

With the methodology developed, the authorities moved on to the next step in the investigation: identifying the chain of sale of stolen cell phones. In “Operation Interditados”, which is already in its 15th phase, police officers are shutting down stores, both physical and virtual, that buy or resell stolen cell phones. The police actions managed to identify and suspend the economic activities of 64 establishments and arrested more than 30 business owners.

Analysis:

The expansion of the Safe Cell Phone Program, announced by Justice and Public Security Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, signifies a crucial step in combating cell phone theft nationwide. By successfully incorporating strategies from states where thefts have decreased the program aims to expand comprehensive monitoring and recovery methods. Piauí’s methodology involves creating a detailed IMEI database, enabling the tracking of stolen devices through court-ordered cooperation with telecommunication companies, and employing advanced software for efficient device recovery.

This expansion is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of cell phone theft prevention and recovery across Brazil. The integration of such sophisticated tracking systems and collaborative efforts between law enforcement and telecom operators will streamline the identification and return of stolen phones. Additionally, the amnesty offered to individuals returning stolen devices fosters public trust in law enforcement, encouraging cooperation and compliance from the community.

Furthermore, operations targeting illegal resale networks play a critical role in dismantling the economic chains sustaining cell phone theft. By identifying and shutting down stores involved in the illegal resale of stolen devices, authorities address the mechanism responsible for responding to the demand of stolen devices.

Sources: O Globo, A Folha de SP.