The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered shocking details about Khairul Bashar Bahar, the mastermind behind “BSB Global Network”, who was arrested for defrauding hundreds of students and parents under the guise of facilitating higher education abroad.
The founder of Cambrian School and College was apprehended from Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area on Monday afternoon by a CID team led by Special Police Superintendent Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad of the Financial Crime Unit.
CID Special Superintendent Jasim Uddin revealed that preliminary investigations show Bashar, along with his wife Khondokar Selima Rawshan and son Arsh Ibn Bashar, ran an organised fraud syndicate for years. Under the pretext of securing “foreign education opportunities”, the group embezzled crores of taka from hundreds of victims between 2018 and 2024.
Using flashy advertisements, fake visa processing, and impersonation of foreign university representatives, the syndicate collected money directly from students via office payments and multiple bank accounts. Investigations confirm many victims’ applications were never submitted to foreign institutions, while others faced exploitation abroad after falling into the trap.
Initial findings from one case identify 448 victims defrauded of crores, though the actual number is believed to be far higher. Many have filed cases under the Penal Code for fraud and forgery.
CID probes further reveal the accused funneled embezzled funds through personal and third-party bank accounts to purchase real estate, run businesses, and illegally transfer money. A significant portion was laundered to European countries via hundi. Bashar’s frequent Europe trips and overseas investments are currently under scrutiny.
Multiple cases have been filed by victims. CID has registered a case under Sections 4(2)/4(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015) after confirming prima facie evidence. Investigations are ongoing.