A Chattogram court has placed 62 foreign nationals and their Bangladeshi associate, Mohammad Mohsin, on a two-day remand over their alleged involvement in an international online fraud ring.
The court also ordered that one child, who was among 63 foreign nationals initially detained, must not be listed as an accused in the case.
The order was passed on Tuesday morning by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Md Mohidul Islam, following a hearing on a seven-day remand petition filed by the police.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner (Prosecution) Mohammad Hasan Iqbal Chowdhury confirmed the order to TIMES of Bangladesh.
He said that all the accused were present in court and that authorities have been instructed to submit the investigation report within 20 working days. He added that a separate hearing regarding showing Mohsin arrested in the case was scheduled for around 1pm.
Earlier, on 13 September, the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTC) applied to the court seeking a seven-day remand to interrogate the 63 foreign nationals and their Bangladeshi associate. The court granted two days of remand following the hearing on that prayer.
According to police sources, a joint raid was conducted on 11 September at an eight-storey building on Road No. 4 in Krishnachura Residential Area under Khulshi Police Station.
Officers from various national intelligence agencies, including the CTC, LIC branch, and RAB, jointly carried out the operation.
During the raid, joint forces discovered server stations and equipment used for online activities across different floors of the building.
Police seized several electronic devices used for online fraud, including mobile phones, laptops, and computers. At the time of the operation, 63 foreign nationals were staying in the building, and none had passports in their possession.
They were subsequently detained, interrogated, and shown arrested over their alleged involvement.
