Peru’s government enacted a law against the illicit cellphone trade, imposing prison sentences of 12 to 30 years for culprits caught stealing mobile devices.
The law doesn’t just target cellphone theft; it also extends to theft involving other electronic gadgets like computers.
The penalties will be even more severe if the crime involves explosives or motor vehicles. This specific rule aims to crack down on ‘moto-robbers.’
These are thieves who commit robberies while riding motorcycles on public roads.
Moreover, the government’s primary objective is to strengthen preventive measures against illegal cellphone commerce.
This initiative was possible due to legislative powers granted by Congress to focus on citizen security.
Additionally, the legislation introduces two new types of crimes. The first is the unauthorized possession of activated SIM cards.
The second is selling devices with tampered identification numbers, known as IMEI.
To offer context, cellphone theft has been a persistent issue in Peru. High demand for cheap or second-hand phones often fuels this type of crime.
Meanwhile, ‘moto-robbers’ take advantage of quick getaways, making them hard to catch. The government hopes that stricter penalties will act as a significant deterrent.
Also, the move aims to protect not just individual owners but also businesses that often suffer from such thefts.
These rules mark a step forward in ensuring public safety and curtailing illegal trade in electronics.