French authorities have initiated Operation Prison Break to locate and confiscate thousands of contraband mini phones facilitating crimes inside prisons. The operation comes amid rising concerns about the ability of incarcerated individuals to continue criminal enterprises, prompting government pledges to enhance prison security.
France Cracks Down on Tiny Contraband Phones Enabling Prison Crime
France Cracks Down on Tiny Contraband Phones Enabling Prison Crime
A nationwide search is underway for Chinese-made miniaturized phones believed to be used by inmates to orchestrate criminal activities from within prison walls.
French authorities have launched an extensive operation named "Operation Prison Break" aimed at locating thousands of tiny Chinese-made phones that are reportedly being used by prisoners to maintain criminal activities while incarcerated. These contraband devices, which are the size of a cigarette lighter and primarily composed of plastic, have evaded standard detection methods, thus earning the nickname "suppositories" among inmates due to their easy concealment.
A statement from the Paris prosecutor's office indicated that these tiny phones have been utilized for various serious offenses including drug trafficking, racketeering, arson, and attempted murder from behind bars. In response to this issue, prison officers have been authorized to search 500 cells across 66 correctional facilities as part of a nationwide initiative.
The French company Oportik, identified as the supplier of these phones, has faced immediate repercussions, including a halt on trading and the arrest of three of its employees. It is estimated that around 5,000 of these phones have been sold, with prices starting at just €20 (£16.84). The Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has emphasized the government’s commitment to combating drug gangs and criminal organizations that exploit the prison system.
Amid growing concerns over prison security, a staggering 40,000 mobile phones were reportedly confiscated from French prisons in 2024 alone. While various measures—including jamming technology—have been implemented to thwart phone usage, there remain significant doubts about their effectiveness.
The prosecutor's office has also taken steps to ensure that information regarding the tracing of these devices is shared with the EU’s judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust, to replicate these security measures in other nations, showcasing the global implications of the smuggling problem.
