In a decisive move, French authorities are conducting a nationwide search for a proliferation of miniature Chinese-made phones, which have been linked to various criminal activities orchestrated by inmates from behind bars. These diminutive devices, no larger than a cigarette lighter, are constructed largely from plastic and are notoriously adept at eluding metal detectors, leading to their nickname "suppositories" among prison inmates.
Under the initiative dubbed Operation Prison Break, launched by the cyber crime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office, prison officers have received the green light to perform searches in 500 cells spanning 66 correctional facilities throughout France. Reports from Le Monde reveal that these phones have been utilized by inmates to orchestrate serious crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering, arson, and even attempted murder.
The supplier of these illicit devices, a company known as Oportik, has faced severe repercussions, with trading halted and three employees arrested. Authorities estimate that around 5,000 of these phones had made their way into prisons, with initial prices starting at a mere €20 (£16.84).
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has emphasized the government's commitment to combating drug gangs and other criminal factions that continue to operate effectively, even while incarcerated. In 2024, prison officials confiscated approximately 40,000 mobile phones, with conventional devices being trafficked over prison walls or dropped by drones, and an alarming number being smuggled in by corrupt staff members.
While phone-jamming technology is utilized in some facilities, its effectiveness is under scrutiny. The French prosecutor's office has also shared insights regarding the tracing of these contraband devices with the EU’s judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust, encouraging a broader clampdown across member nations.
As pressure mounts on the French government to fortify security within its correctional institutions, this latest operation highlights the significant challenges faced in curbing criminal communications behind bars.
Under the initiative dubbed Operation Prison Break, launched by the cyber crime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office, prison officers have received the green light to perform searches in 500 cells spanning 66 correctional facilities throughout France. Reports from Le Monde reveal that these phones have been utilized by inmates to orchestrate serious crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering, arson, and even attempted murder.
The supplier of these illicit devices, a company known as Oportik, has faced severe repercussions, with trading halted and three employees arrested. Authorities estimate that around 5,000 of these phones had made their way into prisons, with initial prices starting at a mere €20 (£16.84).
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has emphasized the government's commitment to combating drug gangs and other criminal factions that continue to operate effectively, even while incarcerated. In 2024, prison officials confiscated approximately 40,000 mobile phones, with conventional devices being trafficked over prison walls or dropped by drones, and an alarming number being smuggled in by corrupt staff members.
While phone-jamming technology is utilized in some facilities, its effectiveness is under scrutiny. The French prosecutor's office has also shared insights regarding the tracing of these contraband devices with the EU’s judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust, encouraging a broader clampdown across member nations.
As pressure mounts on the French government to fortify security within its correctional institutions, this latest operation highlights the significant challenges faced in curbing criminal communications behind bars.
