Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic’s innovative approach to combating mobile phone theft through its Preventive Cell Phone Inspection Center has yielded substantial success since its December 2025 launch. Operating from Plaza Central’s second level, this groundbreaking facility represents a cornerstone of the government’s comprehensive public safety strategy targeting technology-related crimes.
This multi-agency collaboration brings together the Ministry of the Interior and Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), and the National Police in a unified effort against device theft. Interior Minister Faride Raful has confirmed plans for nationwide expansion of the program, ensuring broader public access to device verification services across the country.
Citizens can utilize a free verification service by simply texting their device’s unique IMEI number to 809-251-3521. This process cross-references the device against multiple national and international databases, including those maintained by the National Police, Indotel, and the globally recognized GSMA Device Check system. The comprehensive verification helps consumers avoid purchasing stolen devices while simultaneously creating significant barriers for thieves attempting to resell stolen merchandise.
The initiative’s success demonstrates how coordinated technological solutions can effectively address urban crime patterns while protecting consumers from financial losses. By establishing robust verification protocols, authorities have created a deterrent effect that disrupts theft networks and reduces the profitability of mobile device crimes.