Operation Frankmobile Seizes 50 Tons of Cell Phones in Major Brazilian Crime Bust

The Public Ministry of the State of São Paulo (MPSP) launched Operation Frankmobile on Thursday, resulting in the seizure of over 50 tons of cell phones and parts across the states of São Paulo and Goiás. The operation, which followed a two year investigation by the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (GAECO), led to 15 arrests and the execution of 84 search and seizure warrants. Authorities seized seven trucks, two buses, and approximately 122,500 reais in cash, along with other electronics such as notebooks and tablets.

Investigators described a criminal cycle divided into four distinct stages: the initial theft from victims, the unlocking of devices and theft of personal data, the alteration of IMEI numbers to facilitate resale, and the dismantling of phones for parts. To combat the fragmented nature of the criminal structure, police utilized a variety of tactics. These included the use of specialized dogs trained to sniff out electronic components, undercover intelligence agents, and the analysis of financial and fiscal data.

A significant focus of the operation was Trocafone, a major used cell phone retailer. GAECO alleges that Trocafone acted as the central financial node of the network, using its business model to give a legal appearance to stolen devices. Prosecutors claim that a cross reference of records revealed over 759,000 phones without corresponding purchase invoices. Additionally, the MPSP cited 18 reports from the Council for Financial Activities Control (Coaf) suggesting money laundering through fragmented deposits totaling 95.8 million reais. Trocafone has denied the allegations, stating that it repudiates the sale of illicit devices and maintains rigorous screening procedures.

While the official reports focus on the technical and legal aspects of the bust, public reaction has highlighted different perspectives. Some citizens have criticized the state government, arguing that such operations are insufficient compared to the need for preventative street policing to stop thefts before they occur.