Operation Prison Break: French Authorities Seize 5,000 Devices Used by Prisoners for Criminal Activities

Operation Prison Break: French Authorities Seize 5,000 Devices Used by Prisoners for Criminal Activities

(IN BRIEF) French authorities have dismantled a widespread network of devices used by prisoners to bypass security and continue criminal activities. Following Operation Prison Break, Eurojust ensured that critical information on the devices was shared across Europe to aid in further investigations. The operation targeted 5,000 devices and led to the takedown of the marketplace selling them.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 20-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — French authorities have taken significant action against a new type of device being used by prisoners to communicate with the outside world and continue illicit activities. Following an investigation led by the prosecutor of the Judicial Court of Paris JUNALCO, French authorities discovered that these devices, sold worldwide through online marketplaces, were being used to bypass prison security measures undetected. Eurojust facilitated the exchange of critical information to national authorities across Europe to assist in their investigations.

The device in question is small, with minimal metal parts and specialized settings, making it difficult for security systems to detect. Investigators estimate that approximately 5,000 of these devices were active in French prisons, involved in a range of criminal activities including drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicide.

On the morning of May 20th, French authorities launched Operation Prison Break, targeting nearly 500 cells across the country. As a result, the authorities successfully disabled all 5,000 devices and shut down the online marketplace selling them. The operation also included the sharing of vital technical details and information about the devices, which have now been transmitted to Eurojust. National Desks and Liaison Prosecutors across Europe can use this information to investigate the potential use of these devices in their own countries.

Eurojust’s swift action has enabled the sharing of information with national authorities, ensuring that similar devices can be identified and investigated. Any national authority without a Liaison Prosecutor can request the details by contacting the French Desk at Eurojust.

Media Contact:

Eurojust Press Team
Phone: + 31 70 412 55 00
media@eurojust.europa.eu

SOURCE: EUROJUST