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French Police Warn Traffickers Are Using GrapheneOS on Google Pixels to Wipe Seized Phones

Police issued a protocol directing immediate Faraday isolation with specialist follow-up.

Overview

  • A confidential alert dated November 7 from the judicial police cyber unit (OFAC) was disclosed by French media on November 19.
  • Investigators say criminals are installing GrapheneOS on Google Pixel devices to trigger automatic data deletion when a third party attempts access.
  • New guidance tells officers to place any discovered Google phone in a Faraday pouch, avoid handling it, and call specialized teams.
  • Le Parisien reports that a seized Pixel in a narcotics case reset itself when police IT specialists tried to examine it, leaving its contents unavailable to the investigation.
  • Spanish authorities had flagged the tactic months earlier, and French police warn widespread adoption could create logistical bottlenecks for investigations.