Three Chinese Nationals and Bangladeshi Woman Arrested in Dhaka Cyber Fraud Case
Detectives from the Cyber Crime Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have detained three individuals from China and one Bangladeshi national for operating a coordinated cybercrime network linked to illegal Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, online gambling, and fraudulent activities.
Operation Details
The operation, conducted in Dhaka’s Bashundhara Residential Area, involved a rented building where the suspects allegedly managed digital infrastructure to execute large-scale cyber fraud. The arrests followed a late-night raid by the Detective Branch (DB) of the DMP, which uncovered significant evidence of illicit operations.
Seized Equipment
Authorities recovered 14 laptops, 16 smartphones, over 6,000 SIM cards from multiple mobile network providers, 20 SIM gateway devices, Tk 209,700 in cash, and 26 bottles of foreign liquor. The seized equipment is undergoing forensic analysis to extract communication records, financial data, and details of the network’s structure.
Suspects and Operations
The suspects, identified as Jharna Chakma Ziana (27), Liu Hui Zhang (46), Wei Yuji (30), and She Yi Ran (42), are alleged to have established their operations on the fourth and fifth floors of a six-storey building. The Bangladeshi suspect reportedly rented the entire structure before subletting the upper floors to the Chinese nationals. Investigators claim the premises functioned as a hub for illegal VoIP services, online gambling, and cyber fraud targeting individuals through digital channels.
Methods and Tactics
The network reportedly used deceptive tactics to lure victims, including SMS messages promoting fake job opportunities, enticing promotional offers, and schemes promising easy income. Clicking on embedded links directed users to fraudulent platforms where they were tricked into transferring funds under false pretenses. The group also utilized advanced SIM gateway technology to obscure their activities. These devices allowed a single mobile handset to manage up to 12 SIM cards simultaneously, complicating efforts to trace communications via International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Authorities suspect the syndicate may have defrauded victims of millions of taka, with proceeds allegedly laundered through organized financial channels outside Bangladesh. The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining digital evidence to determine the full scope of the operation, identify potential accomplices, and assess connections to international cybercrime networks. Legal proceedings against the four arrested individuals are in progress, while forensic teams continue analyzing seized materials.
