RecuperaFone Program: Effective Solution for Cell Phone Theft in Amazonas, Brazil

Strategic Insights -

The RecuperaFone program, launched by Governor Wilson Lima in September 2024, has proven to be an effective solution for cell phone theft in Amazonas, Brazil. In nine months, the program has identified 2,338 devices and returned 1,900 to their owners. The program's success can be attributed to the collaboration between the Civil and Military Police, as well as the use of specialized software to cross-reference police reports with IMEI numbers. The program's actions have resulted in a 23% reduction in cell phone theft in Amazonas and a 24% reduction in the state capital, Manaus, between January and July this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RecuperaFone program was launched by Governor Wilson Lima in September 2024, aiming to recover stolen cell phones and reduce crime rates.
  • In nine months, the program identified 2,338 devices and returned 1,900 to their owners, with 439 of the returned devices belonging to owners whose names were published in the latest RecuperaFone operations.
  • The program's actions led to 6,500 devices being recovered by the state's security forces, resulting in 94 arrests of individuals involved in robbery, theft, and receiving stolen goods.
  • The program's success has resulted in a 23% reduction in cell phone theft in Amazonas and a 24% reduction in the state capital, Manaus, between January and July this year.
  • Manaus dropped out of the ranking of cities with the highest number of cell phone thefts, according to data from the 2025 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook.
  • The program's effectiveness is attributed to the collaboration between the Civil and Military Police, as well as the use of specialized software to cross-reference police reports with IMEI numbers.
  • Lawyer Melissa Monteiro and self-employed Vitoria Caroline are just two examples of the program's success, with both individuals recovering their stolen cell phones through the program.

Statistics:

  • 2,338 devices identified through the RecuperaFone program in nine months
  • 1,900 devices returned to their owners in nine months
  • 6,500 devices recovered by the state's security forces through 33 operations, 91 store inspections, and technical support
  • 94 arrests of individuals involved in robbery, theft, and receiving stolen goods
  • 23% reduction in cell phone theft in Amazonas between January and July this year
  • 24% reduction in cell phone theft in the state capital, Manaus, between January and July this year

Sources:

  • Amazonas State Government News Release
  • SSP-AM (Amazonas Public Security Secretariat) website: https://www.ssp.am.gov.br/
  • 2025 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook (FBSP)