Sector regulator the Supervisory Agency for Private Investment in Telecommunications (Organismo Supervisor de Inversion Privada en Telecommuniciones, Osiptel), in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, has ordered the blocking of around one million mobile handsets with invalid International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The measure is part of the government’s efforts to combat illegal trade in mobile equipment, the theft of mobile devices and mobile-related crime. Osiptel has directed operators to inform affected customers of the suspension of services, which is scheduled to take place on 19 September.