The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a man for allegedly defrauding victims by impersonating a judge and using an artificially generated version of his voice, officials said.
The accused, Md Mehedi Hasan Mim, 27, son of Mohammad Abdul from Ramaigachi village in Natore district, was taken into custody by a team from the Cyber Investigation and Operations unit of the Cyber Police Center (CPC) at his residence on Wednesday night, Jasim Uddin Khan, Special Police Superintendent (Media) of the CID, confirmed.
According to the case statement, the complainant, a Joint District and Sessions Judge, reported that an unidentified fraudster used his name, identity, and designation to spread false information among colleagues, friends, and relatives to extort money.
The accused allegedly employed artificial intelligence to mimic the judge’s voice, contacting several acquaintances and claiming that the judge’s mother had died in a Dhaka hospital and that he urgently needed funds for hospital and ambulance expenses.
One victim reportedly transferred Tk50,000 via a mobile financial service (MFS). Similar attempts were made to solicit money from others known to the judge through calls and messages.
After learning of the scheme, the judge filed a case with Sherpur Sadar Police Station. During initial questioning, Mim allegedly admitted his involvement and provided information pertinent to the investigation. He has since been produced before the concerned court for further proceedings.
The CID cautioned the public to remain vigilant against such scams and verify information before making any financial transactions.
