A rented flat in Chattogram’s upmarket Khulshi area has become the focus of a major police investigation after authorities uncovered a suspected online gambling and digital fraud operation allegedly run by 63 foreign nationals.
The group – comprising citizens from China, Pakistan, Laos, Nepal, and Vietnam – was allegedly using the apartment to promote online casino platforms, facilitate digital transactions, and carry out online fraud activities, according to police.
The investigation began after police traced online casino advertisements appearing on mobile phones and computers during live matches back to the activities of the foreign nationals staying at the residence.
The suspects had moved from Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram around six weeks prior, renting a flat on Road 4 of the Krishnachura Residential Area in Khulshi. Police noted that the scale of their digital setup raised concerns regarding a wider criminal network.
The Counter Terrorism Unit of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Khulshi Police Station conducted a raid from Thursday afternoon to Friday noon, arresting all 63 foreigners, including 21 women.
During the operation, officers seized 134 mobile phones, 57 laptops, an Apple tablet, CPUs, monitors, a printer, five flash drives, four SIM cards, three Pakistani national identity cards, and a Cambodian employment card.
Investigators are currently analysing the seized devices to determine the websites accessed, communication channels used, and the money trail linked to the alleged operation.
From Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram
Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of CMP, Muhammad Faisal Ahmed, said that the raid was carried out following specific intelligence.
“Earlier, a foreign criminal group was arrested in Cox’s Bazar. We are investigating whether members of that group, or affiliated networks, subsequently relocated to Chattogram,” he said during a press briefing at the CMP Media Centre on Friday.
Police suspect the group may have both local and international links.
Investigators are also examining whether cryptocurrency transactions were involved. Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), Abdur Rahim, emphasised that the investigation is now focused on uncovering the entire hierarchy behind the operation.
“The question is not merely what these 63 foreigners were doing,” Rahim noted.
“We are working to identify who controlled the online casino advertisements broadcast during matches, where users’ funds were directed, how foreign casino websites were linked to this residence, and how far their network extends,” he said.
Neighbours unaware of activities
Local residents reported that although the foreigners had occupied the apartment for approximately six weeks, they were largely unaware of what transpired inside. Some neighbours recalled seeing a few individuals travelling by motorcycle, while many others moved around in cars.
Police stated that initial interrogations have provided leads on possible local and foreign associates, with further arrests anticipated as additional members of the network are identified.
The OC confirmed that families of some detainees, as well as representatives from several embassies, have made contact with the police following the arrests.
“An examination of the laptops revealed that the suspects were operating them in their respective native languages. Many of them were not in possession of passports,” he added.
The arrested foreign nationals are currently facing legal proceedings under relevant statutory laws at Khulshi Police Station.
