Cell Phone Theft and IMEI Manipulation: Detection,Prevention, and Legal Implications

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted issues surrounding cell
phone theft and the illicit manipulation of International
Mobile Equipment Identity numbers, which serve as unique
identifiers for mobile devices. The International Mobile
Equipment Identifier is a critical component for identifying
mobile devices globally, akin to a serial number, and is
factory-assigned, stored in the device's firmware, and
transmitted during network authorization. Despite its
intended permanence, the IMEI can be illegally altered or
cloned, facilitating the resale of stolen devices and
complicating efforts to track and recover them. This paper
delves into the technological vulnerabilities that enable
such manipulation, the sophisticated methods employed by
perpetrators, and the consequential challenges faced by law
enforcement and network providers in combating this
evolving threat. Furthermore, it examines the current
strategies for detection and prevention, including the role
of centralized databases like the Central Equipment Identity
Register in blacklisting stolen devices and the continuous
efforts by manufacturers to enhance tamper-proof IMEI
storage. The discussion extends to an analysis of the legal
frameworks and international collaborations aimed at
mitigating the impact of cell phone theft and IMEI
manipulation, offering insights into policy gaps and
potential areas for reform.