CID arrests two more suspects in connection with international online betting and money laundering syndicate
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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Bangladesh Police has arrested two additional suspects for their alleged involvement in an international online gambling syndicate that engaged in illegal money laundering. These latest arrests bring the total number of individuals taken into custody in connection with the case to 10.
Special Superintendent of the CID’s media wing, Jasim Uddin Khan, confirmed that the arrests were made on Wednesday during coordinated operations in Rajshahi and Jhenaidah. The suspects have been identified as 27-year-old Syed Zaman and 28-year-old Ruhul Kuddus, also known as Bappi.
According to the CID, the investigation began after the Cyber Police Center (CPC) identified various gambling and betting websites operating both domestically and internationally. These platforms, which advertised via social media and online channels, facilitated betting on international cricket and football matches, as well as online casino games. Following an analysis of mobile financial services (MFS) and bank accounts linked to these sites, the CID filed a case under the Cyber Security Act at Paltan Police Station in Dhaka on May 17.
Investigators allege that the syndicate recruited agents across the country to manage financial transactions. These agents utilized their MFS and bank accounts to collect deposits from gamblers and facilitate withdrawals. After retaining a commission, the remaining funds were reportedly laundered abroad using various bank accounts and cryptocurrency platforms.
During preliminary interrogation, Syed Zaman was identified as an administrator for a betting site allegedly controlled from Russia. Officials stated that Zaman actively registered his own SIM cards for these platforms and coordinated the integration of additional agent accounts. Ruhul Kuddus was also found to be managing the deposit and withdrawal operations for the syndicate.
Prior to these arrests, the CID conducted a series of raids between June 7 and July 12 in Narayanganj, Tangail, Narsingdi, and Narail, resulting in the apprehension of eight other members: Md. Solaiman, Md. Sagar Mia, Md. Jewel Rana, Md. Raihan Khan, Md. Pavel Rahman Bhuiyan, Abu Jobayer Sany, Md. Jasim Uddin, and Suman Ray.
Special Superintendent Jasim Uddin Khan stated that the CID’s Cyber Personnel Development and Management branch is leading the investigation. Authorities are prioritizing the identification of the syndicate’s international links and the methods used to siphon funds offshore. Efforts are also underway to track down the primary operators of these gambling sites, as well as all associated account holders and local and foreign accomplices.
The CID has issued a public warning urging citizens to avoid online gambling and betting activities. The agency has requested that the public refrain from engaging in financial transactions with such syndicates and report any information regarding these illegal operations to law enforcement agencies immediately.
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