What is an IMEI and what does it identify?¶

A mobile-network record may include an IMEI.

Evidential caution: that the IMEI identifies the owner or user of the phone.

What this means¶

An IMEI is an international mobile equipment identity assigned to mobile equipment. It is used by networks to identify the handset or radio equipment connecting to the service.

It can help link network activity to a particular device. Provider records may show which SIM or subscription used that IMEI during a given period.

That is valuable where SIMs move between devices or several numbers are associated with one handset.

Some devices have more than one IMEI because they support multiple SIMs or radio profiles. Record all relevant values.

In reports, describe the IMEI as a device identifier and explain the evidence linking that device to a person.

Where records disagree, retain the discrepancy and establish whether it reflects timing, replacement, transfer or collection method.

What to check or do next¶

• Preserve the source of the IMEI. It may come from the device settings, packaging, provider records, forensic extraction or the device hardware.
• Compare the IMEI with serial numbers, account records, SIM identifiers, device possession, location and application data.
• Record the source of each identifier and preserve the original records so the relationship can be tested later.

Evidential limits¶

But the IMEI does not identify the human user. A device may be shared, borrowed, stolen, sold or remotely controlled.

Do not assume that the person in whose name the device was purchased used it during the relevant event.