Over 13,500 vivo smartphones in India have the same IMEI number

After a five-month-long investigation, Meerut Police confirmed that over 13,500 vivo smartphones are running on the same International Mobile Equipment Number (IMEI) number in India.

File photo: Vivo V15 Pro

Over 13,500 vivo smartphones in India have the same IMEI number

IMEI numbers were supposed to be unique per device. These numbers were originally developed in order to keep track of the mobile hardware.

It comes in handy when your handset gets lost or stolen as your carrier can blacklist the device. This means that the phone won't be able to make or receive calls or connect online even with a new SIM card. It is also often used by the police to track down phones used in crimes.

Because of this, cases have been registered under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Akhilesh N. Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Meerut also said that sections under which the case will progress may increase as the investigation continues.

He added that it is a serious security issue and criminals can use it to their advantage.

Vivo, the number 2 mobile brand in India has yet to release a statement regarding the issue.

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Sources: The Indian Express, Livemint