𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑩𝑻 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝑪 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Since 2022, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), TashiCell(TC) and Bhutan Telecom Limited (BT) have collaborated to enhance crime detection through mobile tower location tracking. This initiative has played a crucial role in aiding investigations, enabling law enforcement agencies to track and solve criminal cases more effectively.

According to RBP data, a total of six cases have been recorded between 2023 and 2024 using this technology. In 2023, Gelephu registered one case, while Thimphu recorded two, bringing the total to three for the year. Similarly, in 2024, one case each was recorded in Samtse, Tsirang, and Samdrupjongkhar, totaling three cases.

The use of mobile tower location tracking has provided investigators with vital leads in solving crimes. By analyzing call records and tracking suspect movements, authorities have been able to gather evidence more efficiently. This initiative marks an important step toward modernizing crime detection in the country, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and ensuring public safety. With continued technological advancements, law enforcement agencies anticipate further improvements in crime detection and prevention. The partnership between the RBP, TC and BT highlights the growing role of digital tools in enhancing security and maintaining law and order.

The Royal Bhutan Police is intensifying its efforts to combat crime through enhanced collaboration with Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell. According to Colonel Passang Dorji, Deputy Chief of Police, the partnership has significantly improved the ability to trace calls and pinpoint locations, aiding law enforcement in solving cases more efficiently. “With BT and TC’s support, tracking call locations has become more convenient, allowing us to expedite investigations and bring offenders to justice,” he stated. However, he stressed that crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of the police but a collective duty of society.

“Everyone should stay informed, exercise caution, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he urged, emphasizing that public awareness and cooperation play a crucial role in reducing crime. He further noted that the RBP, TC and BT are working closely to strengthen crime detection measures. He expressed confidence that when individuals take responsibility for their actions and remain vigilant, crime rates will naturally decline.

Colonel Passang Dorji also highlighted the broader role of law enforcement in addressing crime, stating that the RBP has intensified its investigative efforts and launched several awareness campaigns nationwide. These initiatives aim to educate the public, particularly young people, about the risks of criminal activities and the importance of making responsible choices. “Young people are often the most vulnerable to crime, either as victims or perpetrators. Our awareness programs prioritize guiding them toward the right path,” he added. With technological advancements and collaborative efforts, the RBP remains committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring a crime-free society.

Bhutan Telecom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the RBP in efforts to reduce crime. As a national service provider, BT emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining law and order, urging citizens to join hands in combating criminal activities. According to BT, the company extends its services to the RBP whenever required, ensuring that all support is provided in accordance with the country’s legal framework. “We always stand ready to cooperate with the Royal Bhutan Police to help minimize crime rates. Our commitment to this cause will continue as we work toward making the country a crime-free nation,” a BT representative stated.

Beyond direct collaboration with law enforcement agencies, BT actively uses its social media platforms to raise awareness about crime prevention. The company regularly disseminates information to educate the public on various safety measures, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cautious to avoid falling victim to criminal activities. As part of its corporate social responsibility, BT continues to remind the public of the importance of staying alert and reporting suspicious activities.

“Public awareness plays a crucial role in crime prevention. We encourage everyone to be more cautious and proactive in safeguarding themselves and their communities,” the BT representative added. BT’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader national initiative to enhance security and uphold peace and harmony in Bhutanese society. The company remains committed to working alongside law enforcement agencies and the public to create a safer environment for all.

In a joint effort to make Bhutan a crime-free nation, the RBP, TC and BT have emphasized the collective responsibility of every citizen in combating crime. Both organizations stressed that crime prevention is not solely the duty of law enforcement but requires active participation from the public. Colonel Passang Dorji highlighted the importance of raising awareness, particularly among the youth, to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities. He stated that the RBP is set to launch enhanced awareness programs targeting young individuals, aiming to educate them on the consequences of crime and steer them toward a law-abiding path.

Recognizing the increasing role of technology in both crime and crime prevention, the RBP, TC and BT have pledged to work together to implement strategic measures to strengthen security. The collaboration is expected to involve digital crime prevention initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the use of telecommunication networks to disseminate important crime-related information. Authorities believe that with greater awareness and community involvement, Bhutan can move closer to achieving its vision of a safer society. The RBP urges citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, reinforcing the notion that crime prevention is a shared responsibility.

TashiCell has reiterated its commitment to supporting society and relevant agencies across the country while strictly adhering to its internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and company guidelines. In collaboration with the RBP, TashiCell provides information on criminal cases, missing persons, and location sharing upon request from the RBP or the Royal Court of Justice. However, the company emphasized that all such requests must follow proper legal procedures.

A TC official stated, “The current method of location tracing via IMEI or mobile number using cell ID provides only an approximate location based on the serving tower’s coverage area. We have dedicated, authorized personnel with accounts that allow access to the system for checking location details.”

According to its SOP, TC requires customers or clients to present a court order or search warrant before any customer data can be disclosed. The company clarified that information is provided strictly in accordance with the details outlined in the court order, and any requests beyond the specified terms, including personal appeals, are not entertained. TC further affirmed its commitment to working closely with the RBP to combat crime in the country while ensuring that all procedures align with legal and ethical standards.

BT and TC reiterated the importance of exercising caution when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of phone scams in the country. Besides providing call location tracing services to the RBP, the companies has once again urged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves from fraudulent activities. BT and TC has advised people to verify unfamiliar numbers before responding and to refrain from sharing sensitive personal information, even with individuals they know, as scammers often exploit trust to commit fraud.

The companies warned that such scams may involve deceptive tactics, including impersonating government officials, financial institutions, or distressed relatives to manipulate victims into disclosing confidential details. BT and TC urged mobile users to exercise caution when engaging in phone conversations with unknown callers. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities and avoid clicking on links sent via SMS or messaging apps from unverified sources. The company has pledged to collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen efforts in tackling phone-related fraud while reminding the public that their vigilance is the first line of defense against such deceptive scheme.