According to Kashif Raza, the Indian government has directed all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new phones to curb IMEI fraud and improve device tracking (source: Kashif Raza). The mandate applies to Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Google, and other OEMs selling in India (source: Kashif Raza). The stated rationale includes mitigating security risks from duplicate or fake IMEIs and helping buyers avoid stolen or blacklisted devices (source: Kashif Raza). IMEI tampering is classified as a non-bailable offense under the Telecom Act 2023, with penalties of up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs 50 lakh (source: Kashif Raza). The source does not indicate any direct cryptocurrency market impact from this policy (source: Kashif Raza).