In a stunning revelation, it has been found that smartphone major Vivo has sold 13,000 smartphones with the same IMEI number.
Vivo is India’s 2nd largest smartphone maker, and as per Govt rules, no two mobiles can have the same IMEI number.
What is happening here?
13,000 Vivo Smartphones Have Same IMEI Number
This was found in Meerut.
When a police sub-inspector went to a Vivo service center in Delhi to get his Vivo phone replaced, he found that the IMEI number printed on the box and the IMEI number in the replaced phone are different.
Meerut cybercell was informed, and an investigation started, which lasted for 5 months.
While the service center incharge told that the IMEI number was not changed, the SIM operator was asked for more information, and it was found that since September 24, 2019, 13,000 Vivo phones had been running on the same IMEI number.
These mobiles are being used across 5 states as of now.
Notice Issued To Vivo
Based on the findings of the investigation, Meerut’s Cyber cell has sent a notice to under Vivo India’s nodal officer Harmanjit Singh under Section 91 of the CrPC.
There have been no comments from Vivo on this matter.
IMEI or the International Mobile Equipment Identity number is a unique identifier for every smartphone in the world. As per a 2017 ruling by TRAI, every smartphone used in India needs to have a unique IMEI number.
In case it’s found that the same IMEI number is used in different mobiles, then it will be considered a case of tampering and fraud, and jail term upto 3 years exists for the same.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.