The phenomenon of mini-telephones, sold around thirty euros on the Internet, is very widespread in French prisons. A major operation, called “Prison Break” was held in May denier during which no less than 5,000 phones were seized. At the heart of this case, an obscure society: Oportik. It proceeded to “move”, a method aimed at removing the metallic components from the devices, to make them undetectable.
Heavy operations
Other surprising methods to say the least. “”Inmates who have undergone heavy operations have metal plates on them. They take advantage of it when returning from penitentiary leave to bring phones that will be sold to the other prisoners. I remember a Somali who had brought four phones on him by this means. He sold them to several hundred euros to companions, “ he continues.
Among the other routing methods: the corruption of agents and the release over the walls with the aid, sometimes, of drones. “”A penitentiary agent brought in phones that he sold 300 euros each to prisoners. The temptation is strong for agents to make some money through this. The practice of drop by drone is also frequent, especially in Arlon prison where drones fly over the establishment almost every evening “adds the inmate.
“The figures for the seizures prove the importance of the phenomenon. Whole traffic is always managed from prisons. Belgium should take more effective and radical measures such as the shock of waves to prevent their use”, concludes François de Smet.
At the start of the legislature, the Minister of Justice had announced a series of measures such as the training of dog and computer equipment sniffers and anti -drone systems that must be generalized. “”Parliament has just approved the budget for 2025. We will be able to launch public procurement and carry out dogs “explains Nick Gyselinck, spokesperson for the minister. “”The 150 million budget of the Easter agreement will make it possible to draw up an action plan for recruitment within the judiciary, to find solutions against overcrowding, Improve agent safety And pay late bills. “
The number of phones seized should continue to increase for 2025, in particular following the punch actions carried out in the prisons. Last month, 145 police officers went down to Haren prison to search the cells. Drug quantities have been entered as well as phones.
