Lula Says Rich People Don’t Buy Stolen Cellphones, But Poor People Do

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, that the government is preparing a new phase of the Celular Seguro program to warn users of phones reported stolen or robbed. Speaking during the 7th plenary session of the CDESS at the Itamaraty in Brasília, Lula said the alert would appear directly on the screens of devices identified in the system and would tell holders to return them.

Lula argued that the measure is aimed at people who end up with stolen phones, saying the government has records of about 2.5 million devices that were taken illegally, along with address and identification data linked to those cases. According to the president, authorities know the phones were obtained through crime, but not necessarily who committed the theft or robbery.

During his remarks, Lula said wealthy people do not buy stolen phones, while poorer consumers may be tempted by lower prices. He said the issue made him reflect on how the warning system should be applied. Lula added that he discussed the matter with Justice Minister Wellington César Lima in order to define the next steps.

The president said the goal is to discourage the circulation of stolen devices and help protect the public from phone theft. He described the broader purpose of the program as giving millions of Brazilians confidence that their phones will be safer. Lula said he wants the government to send a direct warning to anyone holding a stolen phone, telling them to return it or face possible consequences.

The Celular Seguro platform was launched in December 2023 and allows users to block mobile lines, devices and digital apps after a report of theft or robbery. The new feature announced by Lula would expand the program by pushing alerts to the screens of phones flagged as stolen or robbed, making the warning visible to those in possession of the devices.

Lula said the measure is intended to create an immediate and practical response to stolen-phone circulation. He presented the plan as part of a broader effort to reduce phone crime and strengthen consumer security across the country.