Dhaka Metropolitan Police Arrest Two Over Online Arms Sale Fraud Scheme

Detectives from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested two individuals on charges of orchestrating a sophisticated online fraud scheme involving the fictitious sale of firearms. The suspects allegedly lured victims through social media advertisements before extorting advance payments and subsequently severing all contact.

The Cyber and Special Crime (North) Division of the Detective Branch (DB) apprehended the suspects, identified as 23-year-old Md. Akash Sheikh and 24-year-old Ruman Sheikh, during an operation in Narail on Monday night. Authorities recovered four mobile phones from the pair, which were reportedly used to facilitate the criminal activities.

According to investigators, the syndicate utilized a Facebook page titled “Sonali Pistol House Benapole” to circulate advertisements and videos depicting firearms. Interested parties were directed to communicate via WhatsApp, where the suspects would negotiate prices and demand advance payments under the pretext of delivering weapons. Once the funds were transferred, the suspects would immediately block the buyers, effectively stealing the money.

The investigation began on August 23, when a specialized DB cyber monitoring team identified the fraudulent Facebook page. By employing digital forensic techniques, investigators traced the location of the page administrators to Dhonda and Raghunathpur villages within the Narail Sadar Police Station jurisdiction.

During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the scheme. A case has been filed against the pair under the Cyber Security Act at Ramna Model Police Station. The suspects have been remanded to judicial custody, and authorities stated that further operations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.