In a significant crackdown, the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate, arresting four suspects, including three foreigners, during a raid in Bashundhara's Residential Area. The suspects were involved in illegal VoIP operations and online gambling. The operation, led by the DB's Cyber Crime Division, uncovered a technology-driven fraud hub operating from a six-story building. During the raid, authorities seized 14 laptops, 16 smartphones, over 6,000 active SIM cards, and 20 GSM gateway devices, alongside 26 bottles of foreign liquor and Tk 209,700 in cash.
The arrested suspects are Jharna Chakma Ziana, 27, Liu Hui Zhang, 46, Wei Yuji, 30, and She Yi Ran, 42. According to investigators, Jharna rented the entire building and sublet the fourth and fifth floors to the foreigners, who operated an organized online fraud and gambling network using advanced digital infrastructure. The syndicate targeted victims through deceptive text messages offering lucrative job opportunities and easy income schemes, redirecting them to fraudulent links to execute financial scams.
The suspects employed sophisticated GSM gateway technology, connecting multiple external SIM slots to a single handset to operate up to 12 SIM cards simultaneously. This method obscured device identities and complicated IMEI-based tracking, making investigations more challenging. Legal proceedings against the suspects are underway as authorities work to determine the full extent of the network and identify any local or international links.
The operation underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in Bangladesh to combat sophisticated cyber fraud. As the investigation continues, authorities aim to prevent further financial losses and safeguard the public from online scams.
