Dhaka Police Arrest Man for Operating Online Goods Fraud Scheme

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The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly operating a sophisticated online fraud ring that swindled consumers through deceptive social media advertisements. The suspect, identified as Md. Anik Sheikh, was taken into custody Tuesday during a police operation in the Amtala area of Kalia, Narail.

According to a press statement from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the suspect used Facebook to post enticing advertisements for hilsa fish and other consumer goods to attract potential buyers. Once victims expressed interest, Anik would shift the communication to WhatsApp, where he systematically solicited an initial 550 taka under the guise of packaging costs. He would then invent further pretexts to extract additional funds before abruptly severing all contact with the customers.

The investigation into the scheme began following a formal complaint filed at Pallabi Police Station. Through a combination of intelligence gathering and technical analysis, the CTTC successfully tracked the suspect to his location in Narail. During the raid, officers seized four mobile phones, eight SIM cards, and various records detailing the suspect’s Facebook, WhatsApp, and mobile financial service accounts.

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During preliminary questioning, Anik confessed to his role in the operation. Authorities revealed that the suspect had been utilizing this same fraudulent strategy for three years, allegedly working with a network of accomplices to target victims across the country.

Police are currently pursuing legal action against Anik and have launched a broader investigation to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate.