Brazil to block stolen cell phones in bid to curb rising crime

Brazil is launching a significant initiative to combat cellphone theft by implementing a nationwide system to block stolen devices. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree Tuesday that will create a national database of stolen phone IMEI numbers, aiming to curb the crime that sees nearly one million reported cases each year.

The program begins with a database containing over three million IMEI numbers of phones reported stolen since 2020. Initially, owners of stolen devices will receive notifications urging them to hand the phones over to the police. Failure to comply will result in the blocking of access to public service applications, followed by a complete device lockout.

Lula emphasized that individuals who unknowingly purchased a stolen phone should report to a police station to surrender the device, assuring them they would not be arrested. He added that providing information on the seller would be beneficial. This measure comes as urban crime and violence are major concerns for Brazilians, especially with presidential elections approaching.

Authorities believe the actual number of cellphone thefts is significantly higher than the reported million cases annually due to widespread underreporting. The new program is seen as a key step in addressing public security issues, particularly as it is being introduced just months before the October presidential elections, where crime is a central campaign theme.