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Peru Starts Mass Blocking of Stolen and Irregular Phones in Nationwide Operation

Officials unveiled real-time monitoring to keep blocked devices off mobile networks.

Overview

  • Peru’s ombudsman’s office launched the coordinated action with OSIPTEL to disable phones with theft reports or negative histories across the country.
  • Public tallies of devices affected conflict, with some reports citing more than 100,000 blocks and others reporting over 2 million.
  • Authorities framed the measure as a public‑security step to disrupt the illegal handset market linked to extortion and crimes organized from prisons.
  • OSIPTEL showcased tools for continuous supervision of blocked IMEIs to prevent reactivation on carrier networks.
  • Suspended OSIPTEL president Rafael Muente criticized operators for resisting sales restrictions and delaying data, and alleged political interference and failures in prison signal control.