Illegal IMEI 'changers' may soon face administrative or criminal liability in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan plans to introduce administrative and criminal liability for cloning the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of a mobile device, Tashkent's Department of Internal Affairs reported. The governmental department emphasizes the surge of missing mobile phone cases in recent years.

To establish the details of the incident, law enforcement officers conduct a pre-investigation check, and initial a criminal case, when necessary. The IMEI code of the mobile device is used to find the offender and return the phone to its owner.

Currently, there is no administrative or criminal liability in Uzbekistan for illegally changing the IMEI Code. This means immunity for those who cover up the crime. The ministry said that the authorities responsible for dealing with such an incident are working on a bill to amend the relevant regulations.