Police have detained six foreign nationals from China and Taiwan with nearly 2,000 iPhones and dozens of laptops from a hotel in Cox’s Bazar over allegations of involvement in online fraud and cybercrime.
The raid was conducted on Thursday night at Hotel Sea Palace, and the six detainees were produced before a Cox’s Bazar court at around 5:30pm on Friday.
The detained individuals have been identified as Wei Ching Wen of Taiwan, and Ju Yangfan, Yan Changcheng, Ju Haiyang, Wu Jian Xiong, and Zhang Jeming of China.
Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Md Ohidur Rahman said the law enforcers conducted the drive based on a complaint filed at Ramu Police Station and information provided by Dhaka Police.
Police recovered 1,938 iPhones, 30 to 40 laptops, and several communication devices resembling equipment used by foreign police from their possession.
“A case has been filed against the detained persons. They are initially accused of involvement in online fraud and cybercrime. Details will be known through further investigation,” Ohidur said.
A police source revealed that approximately 200 to 300 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals have been staying at two rented hotels in Marine Drive area of Cox’s Bazar for the past few months, allegedly running fraudulent online activities.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a police officer said drives are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the racket.
However, police have not yet officially provided detailed information regarding the involvement of such a large number of foreign nationals or the specific allegations against them.
Meanwhile, Hotel Sea Palace authorities confirmed that a group of Chinese nationals checked into the hotel on 26 August, and some of them were detained during the police raid on Thursday night.
The hotel management, however, declined to comment on the purpose of the foreigners’ visit to Cox’s Bazar.
