President made comments when announcing system that will send alerts on the screen of devices sold by criminals
The president (PT) said on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) that rich people don’t buy stolen cell phones, but poor people do. The statement was made during the 7th plenary session of the CDESS (Council for Sustainable Social Economic Development), at Itamaraty, in Brasília, when commenting on devices registered as stolen or stolen in the program.
“I know that rich people don’t buy stolen phones. But I know that poor people buy it. Who doesn’t like to buy something cheap?”, declared Lula. “Everyone likes it. Or cheaper”, he added.
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The president stated that the government has a record with the address and identification of 2.5 million stolen cell phones. According to Lula, the government knows that the devices were obtained illegally, but does not identify who committed the crime.
Lula said he intends to send a message to registered cell phones with a warning that the equipment must be returned. The president stated that users of these devices could be committing a crime if they continue to use the product.
“I would press a little button and send a message saying that all 2.5 million people who have their cell phone stolen have to return it. Need to return it because he may be committing a crime and if he is caught he may suffer unnecessary punishment”, he declared.
According to the president, the situation of those who purchased the device because of the lower price made him reflect on how to apply the measure. Lula said he called a meeting with the Minister of Justice, Wellington César Lima, to discuss the issue.
“This economic unrest of someone who has their phone stolen messed with my head. But I can’t have this doubt because the secure phone will leave 200 million Brazilians at ease that they will no longer have their cell phone stolen.”, he stated.
Celular Seguro was launched in December 2023. The platform allows you to block telephone lines, devices and digital applications after a robbery or theft has been reported. According to Lula, the new stage of the program will have alerts displayed directly on the screen of cell phones registered as stolen or stolen.
“I will effectively send the signal to whoever has the stolen phone to return it, because otherwise there could be consequences.”, these.
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