Arrested Gang Changed IMEI of Stolen Phones – Narabjeet Singh, Manish Singh, Gurmeet Singh

1. Gang Changes IMEIs of Stolen Phones
2. Police Busts the Operation Delhi News.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : NEW DELHI: Authorities in the capital city have successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate involved in the illicit alteration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers on stolen mobile devices. The operation led to the apprehension of three individuals believed to be key members of the gang. The suspects, identified as Narabjeet Singh (26), Manish Singh (23), and Gurmeet Singh (32), all residents of Tilak Nagar, were found in possession of 79 stolen mobile phones and a laptop containing incriminating software and data.

According to law enforcement officials, the gang operated primarily in west Delhi, providing support to a number of snatchers and mobile thieves in altering the IMEI numbers of stolen devices. This criminal practice has posed significant challenges for police in connecting recovered phones to their rightful owners, as the altered IMEI numbers obscure the devices’ origins and hinder the investigation process.

Despite the hurdles posed by the changed IMEIs, investigators have managed to link some of the recovered phones to four reported cases in the area. Efforts are underway to establish connections between the remaining devices and their respective owners. The prevalence of IMEI changers in the city has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies, as a significant portion of stolen mobile phones remain unaccounted for.

The gang utilized specialized software to assign new IMEI numbers to stolen handsets, effectively erasing any traces of the devices’ illicit origins. Subsequently, the altered phones were circulated in the underground market as genuine, pre-owned devices. The operation to dismantle the gang was initiated following a tip received by sub-inspector Amit’s team, leading to the arrest of Narabjeet with a stolen mobile phone from Hari Nagar, which had its IMEI altered.

During interrogation, Narabjeet divulged details of the elaborate process employed by the gang to change IMEI numbers, rendering the devices virtually untraceable. Another suspect, Gurmeet, was responsible for sourcing stolen phones from snatchers and thieves, delivering them to the gang’s premises for the alteration process. DCP (West) Vichitra Veer stated that investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the stolen devices and identify the channels through which they were being sold.

IMEI numbers, comprising 15 digits, serve as unique identifiers for mobile phones worldwide. These numbers are stored in a centralized database known as the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), providing crucial details about a device such as its brand, model, and specifications. Individuals can retrieve their device’s IMEI number by dialling *#06# on their phone.

The successful dismantling of this criminal syndicate highlights the challenges posed by IMEI changers in combating mobile phone theft and illicit trading. Authorities continue to deploy strategies to address this issue and safeguard consumers against the circulation of stolen devices in the market..

1. Gang Changes IMEIs of Stolen Phones
2. Police Busts the Operation.