Gang Involved in Changing IMEI Numbers for Rs. 500 Arrested

Shafeeq Abad Police has arrested a gang of nine people involved in changing the IMEI number of stolen phones. The gang was reselling the phones with changed IMEIs in the local market.

The police recovered flashing devices from the culprits which were used to modify the IMEI number on any phone. For those who don’t know, an IMEI number is unique to every phone and is used to block stolen phones from working.

The police also apprehended and identified one individual named Akhtar who supplied the software used to change IMEI numbers. He was nabbed from Hall Road.

According to a report aired by City 42 news, the gang also included an engineer who helped them erase all data on stolen mobile devices.

The gang charged Rs. 500 per phone for changing the IMEI number. Doing so made the phone untraceable and usable again.

This trend of changing IMEI numbers is alarming to say the least. Criminals and even terrorists can then use these phones to carry out their objectives, with no fear of being traced back via their mobile phones.

Earlier this year, the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) and the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association devised a new strategy to ensure that stolen phones couldn’t be sold at the markets. Shop keepers were advised to fill out a form for every used mobile phone they bought, including the IMEI number. The shop keeper could then verify those details before buying it from the CPLC helpline 1102, and this way any stolen sets could be identified. The new process made the shop keeper responsible for following the standard operating procedure (SOPs).

However, since this strategy involves making use of IMEI numbers, their efforts may prove to be insufficient.

The FIA needs to look into this matter urgently and take the appropriate measures to punish criminals who are found involved in this practice.

via More News