DB arrests four over cyber fraud, illegal VoIP operation.
Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police have dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate allegedly involved in illegal VoIP operations and online gambling, arresting four suspects, including three foreigners, during a raid in the capital's Bashundhara Residential Area.
The arrested are Jharna Chakma Ziana, 27, Liu Hui Zhang, 46, Wei Yuji, 30, and She Yi Ran, 42.
Acting on intelligence, a team from the DB's Cyber Crime Division carried out the operation late Saturday, uncovering what investigators described as a technology-driven fraud hub operating from a six-storey building.
DMP's Additional Commissioner and Chief of DB Md Shafiqul Islam made the disclosure today at a press briefing at DMP Media Centre on Minto Road in the capital.
During the raid, detectives seized 14 laptops, 16 smartphones, over 6,000 active SIM cards of various mobile operators and 20 GSM gateway devices allegedly used to facilitate illegal VoIP services.
They also recovered 26 bottles of foreign liquor and Tk 209,700 in cash.
According to investigators, Jharna rented the entire building before subletting its fourth and fifth floors to the foreigners, who allegedly ran an organised online fraud and gambling network using advanced digital infrastructure.
Police said the syndicate targeted unsuspecting victims by sending deceptive text messages advertising lucrative job opportunities, promotional offers and easy income schemes.
Victims were allegedly redirected through fraudulent links, allowing the group to execute financial scams.
Investigators said the suspects employed sophisticated GSM gateway technology by connecting multiple external SIM slots to a single handset, enabling the simultaneous operation of up to 12 SIM cards.
The method was designed to obscure device identities and complicate IMEI-based tracking, making law enforcement investigations significantly more challenging.
Police said legal proceedings against the suspects are underway as investigators work to determine the full extent of the network and identify any local or international links.
