The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has arrested two members of a fraud syndicate on charges of embezzling nine lakh and eighty-six Taka (Tk9,00,086) after taking control of a victim’s mobile phone using a phishing link sent under the guise of a software update.
According to a press release issued by CID, one of the suspects was linked to an international online fraud gang via Facebook and Telegram to collect and control various individuals’ bank accounts.
The arrestees have been identified as Shahid Al Imran Sourav, 36, and Md Sagar Hossain, 28.
They were apprehended by the Cyber Investigation Team of the CID’s Cyber Police Centre (CPC) during separate operations conducted in Rangpur on Wednesday night, 2 September.
The CID reported that Shahid Al Imran Sourav was arrested at 1:15am from the Gomasthapara area near the DC Bungalow intersection in Rangpur. His accomplice, Sagar was arrested at 2:35am from the Hanumantala, Chikli area.
During Sourav’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized three cheque books from different banks, a Visa Platinum card, a Visa Debit card, a Symphony brand button phone, and an Infinix brand smartphone.
The incident began on 2 June when the victim received a message on their mobile phone regarding a software update. Upon viewing the message, the phone automatically began to update, and the screen eventually turned off. Despite prolonged attempts, the victim was unable to regain control of the device.
Once the screen turned back on, the victim received several notifications indicating that funds had been transferred from their bank account to various other bank accounts and Mobile Financial Services (MFS). A subsequent review of the bank statement revealed that a total of nine lakh and eighty-six Taka (Tk9,00,086) had been transferred to different accounts.
The victim filed a case at the Paltan Police Station on 4 June. The Cyber Police Centre of the CID later took over the case for investigation. The suspects were subsequently identified after analysing bank records and intelligence data.
During initial questioning, Sagar Hossain admitted that he connected with an international online fraud ring via Facebook and Telegram to collect and control the bank accounts of various individuals. The stolen funds were withdrawn and sent to foreign accomplices online, in exchange for a commission.
The CID’s primary investigation has found clear evidence of both suspects’ involvement in the crime. Drives are currently ongoing to identify and apprehend other local and foreign members of the syndicate.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the CID urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on unfamiliar or suspicious links. They specifically warned against opening unverified links sent under the pretext of software updates, prizes, jobs, or banking services.
