In Peru, cell phones continues to be an alarming problem in 2025, with a daily average of More than 4,000 stolen devicesaccording to data from the private investment supervisor in telecommunications (Osiptel).
This figure reflects a slight decrease with respect to previous years, but continues to show the magnitude of the crime.
Although the daily average of robberies has dropped from the more than 6,500 reported in 2017, the current figure of 4,046 daily robberies between January and April 2025 is still worrying.
The Director of Control and Instruction of Osiptel, Luis PachecOr, he stressed that, despite the reduction, subtraction levels remain high, reflecting a persistent insecurity problem at the national level.
In response to this situation, this organism has been implementing various actions to combat cell phones. One of the main is the National Registry of Mobile Terminal Equipment for Safety (renteseg), which allows iNnter data between the operators and register the reports of the users victims of these crimes.
Thanks to this system, more than 14 million have been blocked IMEI Codes invalids since 2017, making it difficult to market stolen equipment.
In addition, in April 2025, Osiptel, in coordination with the Interior Ministry (MININTER), began the massive blocking of phones with altered or unauthorized IMEI. In a first stage, 50,000 devices were blocked, with the aim of reaching more than one and a half million blockages, thus dismantling the black cell market.
-The theft of cell phones not only affects the safety of citizens, but also has a significant economic impact. It is estimated that this crime represents for Peruvians more than S/ 2,100 million a year in stolen equipment costs. In addition, many of these devices are used to commit other crimes, such as extortion, kidnapping and homicide, which further aggravates the situation.
Given this panorama, Osiptel calls for citizens to avoid buying second -hand cell phones of doubtful origin. “They are equipment that can be stained with blood. We cannot illustrate ourselves with a low price without thinking about the consequences”Pacheco said.
In addition, he recommended verifying the IMEI of the devices before acquiring them, using the “IMEI” digital tool available on the Institutional Portal of Osiptel.
The fight against cell phones requires the joint effort of various entities, including Osiptel, the Interior Ministry, the National Police of Peru and the Public Ministry. In addition, the active participation of citizens is essential to prevent this crime and contribute to national security. It is important to be informed and take.
He IMEI Codecomposed of 15 digits, allows identifying a cell phone worldwide. Thanks to a tool of the supervisor of private investment in telecommunications, users can know if their equipment is registered as stolen, lost or unlocked. To make the consultation, just mark *# 06# from the phone and verify that the logical IMEI coincides with the form in the equipment.
IMEI can have several states, such as invalid, altered or substantial. The teams with IMEI invalid do not appear in the World List of the World Mobile Telephony Association (GSMA), while the altered do not coincide with the one granted by the manufacturer. Substandard cell phones, although legally acquired, do not have their IMEI registered in the GSMA and are illegal in Peru.
The Osiptel, in coordination with the Interior Ministry, blocks cell phones of illicit origin as part of its efforts to reduce the theft of mobiles in the country. You can consult if your cell phone has everything in order by entering the ‘Checa your IMEI’ website.
