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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Prisoners Run Crime Ops Via PlayStation

Console used to pass messages, charge cell phones: UK watchdog

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(Newser) – Organized criminals use PlayStation and interactive games to pass on orders while behind bars, says a British agency monitoring 5,000 global crime lords. The masterminds also charge illegally kept cell phones through the gaming console. A prison spokesman refuted the charge, saying that only older versions of such devices—sans wireless technology—are permitted, the Times of London reports.

"A decision was taken some years ago that the then-current generation of games consoles should be barred," the spokesman added, "because the capability to send or receive radio signals is an integral part of the equipment."

Prisoners with access to PlayStations have used them to pass on orders and recharge illegally kept phone, a UK crime agency says.
Prisoners with access to PlayStations have used them to pass on orders and recharge illegally kept phone, a UK crime agency says.   (AP Photo)
UK prisons don't allow game consoles with wireless internet, a spokesman says.
UK prisons don't allow game consoles with wireless internet, a spokesman says.   (Shutterstock)
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Communication is the name of the game and criminals are looking to exploit new technologies. - Bill Hughes, director general of UK's Serious Organized Crime Agency

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4 comments
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ifbit
May 14, 09 3:01 AM CDT
I sincerely hope this is just the follow-up story to the more shocking headline: "Incarcerated global crime lords get Play Station." Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 14, 09 4:06 AM CDT
Sounds more like a non-issue than a new terror concern. Reply
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+2
Yourself
May 14, 09 10:57 AM CDT
wait, so they get playstations in jail? WTF? i can't even justify owning one... Reply
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+1
kokuaguy
May 14, 09 6:23 PM CDT
Like the guy said, if it's an older model (donated perhaps rather than being "recycled" in a 3rd world country) what's the harm? Reply
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