A police request for cell-phone operators to keep subscribers' records for a longer period to expedite their investigations into fraud has hit a snag in the face of opposition from the communications ministry as well as the operators.

The request by the National Police Agency reflects its determination to prevent a further increase in bank transfer scams using cell phones. A senior NPA official said it is imperative for the ministry to act now "because more than ¥90 million is being swindled by criminals each day."

But the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry is against the proposed extension of the period during which cell-phone firms keep phone records from three months to six months, citing the violation of secrecy of communication guaranteed under the Constitution.