The Mysuru city police have arrested seven persons and seized three machines, which were used to erase the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number from mobile phones.
The police have decided to communicate the matter to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as the tampered mobile phones could be used for anti-national activities.
Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Dr A Subramanyeshwara Rao said, the tampering of IMEI number of mobile phones is a threat to national security and seven persons have been arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects used to erase IMEI number and give a new IMEI number to stolen mobile phones. Raids would be conducted on all mobile service and repair shops in the city to check for such anti-national activities, he added.
“The machines seem to have been manufactured in China. They can change the IMEI number of even high-end smartphones, including i-Phones, in just five minutes. It is suspected that such stolen and tampered phones are used in anti-social activities,” Dr Rao said.
Referring to the attachment of properties worth Rs 5.30 crore, amassed by murder convict and rowdy-sheeter C Madesha and his brother Manju, by the Enforcement Directorate recently, Dr Rao said this was first such case in the city.
“The ED’s action followed the request by the city police to unearth the ill-gotten wealth of the convict. Hereafter, assets of all rowdy-sheeters will come under scrutiny. If it is found that the moveable and immovable properties are bought with ill-gotten money, they will be confiscated,” the top cop said.
Published 18 July 2017, 21:05 IST