Rio Police Lead Nationwide Raids Targeting Interstate Stolen-Phone Network

Overview

• Police launched Operation Rastreio on Thursday by executing 41 search-and-seizure warrants across ten states to dismantle a suspected network that moves stolen cellphones by post.
• Investigators say the scheme sent small batches of phones from Rio de Janeiro to receivers in other states to avoid detection and supply the illegal electronics market.
• The raids follow forensic interceptions, with Receita Federal help, of 30 postal shipments containing 65 used phones that technicians found mostly carried Anatel IMEI blocks or theft reports.
• No arrests tied to the cellphone operation were reported in early updates but a separate Rio probe of vehicle fencing in São Gonçalo resulted in at least one arrest and alleged links to the Comando Vermelho.
• Authorities will submit all seized phones to real-time triage to trace senders and buyers, a step that police say could break distribution chains and reduce the resale market for stolen devices.