The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two people for allegedly defrauding an expatriate by luring him with false promises of jobs and permanent residency opportunities in Australia.
The suspects are Rakibul Hossain, 26, son of Md Anisur Rahman and Md Roni Islam, also known as Khaja Mohammad Ali, 19, son of Md Rafiqul Islam, CID confirmed.
A cyber police team under the Cyber Police Centre (CPC), Cyber Investigation and Operations unit, arrested them on 17 June 2026 from the Kamarpukur area of Syedpur upazila in Nilphamari district. During the operation, police seized six mobile phones and 12 SIM cards allegedly used in the fraud.
According to the case statement, the victim is an Oman-based Bangladeshi expatriate. In December 2025, a previously known contact approached him and claimed to arrange jobs in Australia for Bangladeshis. The intermediary introduced him to Roni Islam, who posed as an Australia-based associate named Khaja Mohammad Ali.
The accused later contacted the victim through mobile phone, IMO, WhatsApp and Messenger. They promised Australian employment and asked for money for processing, online applications, forms and visa-related costs.
Trusting the assurance, the victim sent a total of Tk1.46 lakh in multiple instalments through bKash numbers. Later, the accused also provided a bank account number to collect further payments.
However, after some time, no arrangement for travel to Australia was made. The accused stopped responding, and their phone numbers were switched off. Communication with the victim was completely cut off. The victim then realised he had been trapped in a coordinated fraud.
Following the incident, the victim’s nephew filed a case with Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka on 2 June 2026 under Sections 406 and 420 of the Penal Code.
CID investigation found that Roni Islam ran a fake Facebook page using the identity of “Khaja Mohammad Ali” as an Australia-based expatriate. He promoted attractive content about Australian jobs, work permits and immigration to lure victims.
Investigators also found that he used foreign numbers and Australian-style IMO accounts to make the communication appear genuine and trustworthy.
The probe further revealed that Rakibul Hossain played an active role in receiving, transferring and managing money collected through mobile financial service accounts. The duo allegedly worked together for a long period to cheat people by promising overseas jobs.
During preliminary interrogation, the arrested suspects provided significant information about their involvement in fraud activities, CID said. Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the network. The arrested accused will be produced before a court.
CID also warned that online fraud involving overseas job offers and migration promises is increasing at an alarming rate. It urged people to verify recruitment agencies, visa processes and job offers before making any payment or commitment.
