Hyderabad Mobile Repair Shops Under Police Scanner for Unlocking Stolen Phones

Mobile phone repair shops in Hyderabad have come under scrutiny from cybercrime officials for unlocking devices and bypassing security features without verifying customer identities or proof of ownership.

According to sources, several technicians have been ignoring advisories issued by cybercrime police, unlocking phones and removing security patterns for fees ranging between Rs. 500 and Rs. 700. These shops reportedly do not ask customers to provide Aadhaar cards, original purchase invoices, or device packaging to establish legitimate ownership.

Investigators noted that individuals involved in property offences frequently visit local mobile markets to unlock stolen devices. When police track down stolen phones and approach the shops, technicians often claim ignorance or hand over details only after being questioned.

In some instances, technicians with advanced technical skills are reportedly charging between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 3,500 to alter or tamper with the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen devices, severely hindering efforts by law enforcement agencies to track them.

Cyber police officials have instructed technicians to check device IMEI numbers on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal before carrying out repairs or unlocking procedures. The portal allows technicians to determine whether a handset has been flagged as lost or stolen.

Standard repair protocols typically require technicians to collect government identity proof, generate job sheets, and verify purchase documents before performing major resets or account bypasses. Officials warned that technicians and shop owners who repeatedly unlock stolen devices for offenders could face criminal charges for aiding and abetting illegal activities.